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-reneb*!: Internatiohdl Copyrighted (in Eng:land, her 

Colonies, and the United States) Edition of 

the Works of the Best Authors. 

No. U9 



■i GOLD MINE 



B pla^ in XTbrec Hcts 

BY 

BRANDER MATTHEWS 

AND 

GEO. H. JESSOP 



Copyright, 1908, by Brander Matthews 
AND George H. Jessop 



CAUTION :— Professionals and Amateurs are hereby notified 

that this play is fully copyrighted under the existing laws of 

the United States Government, and nobody is allowed to 

do this play without first having obtained written 

permission of Samuel French, 24 West 22d St., 

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VOL. I. 

1 Ion 

2 F«iio 

3 The Lady of Lyjni 

4 Richelieu 

5 Tlie Wife 

6 The Honeymoon 

7 The School for Scandal 

8 Money 

VOL. n. 

9 The Stranger 

10 (irandfather Whitehead 

11 Richard III 

12 Love's Sacrifice 

13 The Gamester 

14 A Cure for the Heartachi? 

15 The Hiuichbaclt 

16 Don Caesar de Bazan 

VOL. HI. 

17 The Poor Gentleman 

18 Hamlet 

19 Charles II 

20 Venice Preserved 

21 Pizarro 

22 The Love Chase 

23 Othello 

24 Lend me Five Shillings 

VOL. IV. 

25 Virginius 

26 King of the Coinmone 
21 Loudon Assurance 

28 The Rent Day 

29 Two Gentlemen ofVerona 
80 The Jealous W ife 

31 The Rivals 
82 Perfection 

VOL. V. [Debts 

33 A New Way to Pay Old 

34 Look Before You Leap 

35 King John 

36 Nervous Man 

37 Damon and Pythias 

38 Clandestine Marriage 

39 William Tell 

40 Day after the Wedding 

VOL. VL 

41 Speed the Plough 

42 Romeo and Juliet 

43 Feudal Times 

44 Charles the Twelfth 

45 The Bride 

46 The Follies of a Night 

47 Iron Chest [Fair Lady 

48 Faint Heart Never Woii 

VOL. VII. 

49 Road to Ruin 

50 Macbeth 

51 Temper 

52 Evadne 

53 Bertram 

54 The Duenna 

55 Much Ado About Nothing 
66 The Critic 

VOL. VIII. 
57 The Apostate 

68 Twelfth N ight 

69 Brutus 

60 Simpion A Co 

61 Merchai.t of Venice 

62 Old Heads* Young Hearts 

63 Mountaineers [riage 

64 Three Weeks after Mar- 

VOL. IX. 

65 Love 

66 As You Like It 

67 The Elder Brother 

68 Werner 

69 Gisippus » 

70 Town and Country 

71 King Lear 

72 Blue Devils 

VOL. X. 

73 Henry VHI 

74 Married and Single 

75 Henrv IV 

76 Paul Y'ry 

77 Guv Mannering 

78 Sweethearts and Wives 

79 Serious Family 

80 Sbe Stoops to Conquer 



VOL. XI. 

81 Julius Ceesar 

82 Vicar of Wakefield 

83 Leap Year 

84 The Catspaw 

»5 The Passing Cloud 

86 Drunkard ' 

87 Rob Roy 

88 George Barnwell 

VOL. XII, 

89 Ingomar 

90 Sketches in India 

91 Two Friends 
9 J Jane Shore 

93 Corsican Brothers 

94 Mind your own Business 

95 Writing bh the Wall 

96 Heir kt Law 

VOL. XIU. , 

97 Soldier's Daughter 
9-< DoiifrlAS 

99 Marco Sp*d)» . 

100 Nature's Kobleifaii. 

101 Sardanapalns 
lOv! Civilization 

103 The Robbers 

104 Katharine and Petruchio 

VOL. XIV. 

105 Game of Love 

106 Midsummer Night's 

107 Ernestine [Dream 

108 Rag Picker of Paris 

109 Flving Dutchman 
no Hypocrite 

HI Therese 

112 La Tour de Nesle 

VOL. XV. 

113 Ireland As It Is 

114 Sea of Ice 

115 Seven Clerks 

116 Game of Life 

117 Forty Thieves 

118 Bryan Boroihme 

119 Romance and Reality 

120 Ugolino 

VOL. XVL 

121 The Tempest 

122 The Pilot 

123 Carpenter of Rouen 
1.'4 King's Rival 

126 Little Treasure 
126 Dombey and Sen 
12' Parents and Guardians 
lid Jewess 

VOL. XVII. 
129 Camille 
l.iO Married Life 

131 Wenlock of Wenlock 

132 Rose of Etlrickv.ile 

133 David Copperfield 

134 Aline, or the Rose -of 

135 Pauline [Killarney 

136 Jane Eyre 

VOL. XVIII. 

137 Night and Morning 

138 .-Ethiop 

139 Three Guardsmen 

140 Tom Cringle 

141 Henriette. the Forsaken 

142 Eustache Baudin 

143 Ernest Maltravers 

144 Bold Dragoons 

VOL. XIX. 

145 Dred, or the Dismal 

[Swamp 

146 Last Days of Pompeii 

147 Esmeralda 

148 Peter Wilkins 

149 Ben the Boitswaln 

150 Jonathan Bradford 

151 Retribution 

152 Minerali 

VOL. XX. 

1 53 French Spy 

154 Wept of Wish-ton Wish 

155 Evil Genius 

156 Ben Bolt 

157 S.^ilor of France 

158 Red Mask 

159 Life of an Actress 

160 Wedding Day 



[Moscow 



VOL. XXI. 

161 All's Fair in Love 

162 Hofer 

163 Self 

164 Cinderella 
166 Phantom 

166 Franklin 

167 The Gunmaker'of 

168 The Love of a Prince 

VOL. XXII. 

169 Son of the Night 

170 Rory O'More 

171 Golden Eagle 

172 Rienzi 

173 Broken Sword 

174 Rip Van Wijikle 

175 Isabelle 
n6U.;artofMidLothl»i 

VOL. xxai. 

177 Actress of Pad UA 

178 Floating Beacon 

179 Bride of Lamniermooi 

180 Cataract of the Gangi 
isl Robber of the Rhine 
18L' S.ho,.l of Reform 
ISa Wandering Boys 

ls4 Mazeppa 

VOL. XXIV. 

185 Young New York 

186 The Victims 

187 Romance after Marriage 

188 Brigand 

189 Poor of New York 

190 Ambrose Gwinett 

191 Raymond and Agnes 

192 Gambler's Fate 

VOL. XXV. 

193 Father and Son 

194 Massaniello 

195 Sixteen String Jack 

196 Youthful Queen 

197 Skeleton Witness 

198 Innkeeper of Abbeville 

199 Miller and his Men 

200 Aladdin 

VOL. XXVL 

201 Adrienne the Actress 

202 Undine 

203 Jesse Brown 

204 Asmodeus 

205 Mormons 

206 Blanche of Brandy wine 

207 Viola 

208 Deseret Deserted 
VOL. XXVII. 

Americans in Paris 

210 Victorine 

211 Wizard of the Wave 

212 Castle Spectre 

213 Horse-shoe Robinson 
2i; Armand, Mrs. Mowatt 
2L=> Fashion, Mrs. Mowatt 

216 Glance at New Y^ork 
VOL. XXVIIl. 

217 Inconstant 

218 Uncle Tom's Cabin 

219 Guide to the SUge 

220 Veteran 

221 MilUr of New Jersey 

222 Dark Hour before Dawn 

223 Midsum'rNight'sDream 

[Laura Keene's Editiou 

224 Art and Artifice 

VOL. XXIX. 

225 Poor Young Man 

226 Ossawattomie Brown 

227 Pope of Rome 

228 Oliver Twist 

229 Pauvrette 

230 Man in the Iron Mask 

231 Knight of Arva 

232 Moll Pitcher 

VOL. XXX. 

233 Black Eyed Susan 

234 Satan in Paris 

235 Rosina Meadows [ess 

236 W' est End, or Irish Heir- 

237 Six Degrees of Crime 

238 The Lady and the Devil 
v;'9 A .-eneer, or Moor of Sici- 



24') ^t asks and Facei 



VOL. 
241 Merry W 
J42 Mary's E 
243 Shandy I 
L>44 Wild Oat 
245 Michael ! 
'.'46 Idiot Wit 

247 Willow < 

248 People's 

VOL. 

249 The Boy 

250 Lucretia 

251 Surgeon ■ 

252 Patrician 

253 Shoeniaki 

254 Moment^ 



262 Madelain 

263 The Firel 

264 Grist to t 

VOL. 

265 Two Lov. 

266 Annie Bli 

267 Steward 

268 Captain I 

269 Nick of tl 

270 Marble h 

271 Second h 

272 Dream at 

VOL. 

273 Breach of 

274 Review 

275 Lady of t 

276 Still Wat 

277 The Scho 

278 Helping 1 

279 Faust anc 

280 Last Man 

VOL. 
S81 Belle's St 

282 Old and ■! 

283 Raffaella 

284 Ruth Oak 
286 British SI 

286 A Life's i 

287 Giralda * 
28s Time Tri« 

•VOL. : 

289 Ella Rose 

290 W^arlock . 

291 Zelina 

292 Beatrice 

293 Neighbor 

294 Wonder 

295 Robert Ei 

296 Greeu Bu: 

VOL. X 

297 Flowers o 

298 A BacheU 

299 The Midn 

300 Husband i 

301 Love's La 

302 Naiad Qu 

303 Caprice 

304 Cradle of 

VOL. : 

305 Tlie Lost ! 

306 Country f 

307 Fraud anc 

308 I'utnam 

309 King and 

310 La F anin 

311 A HardS 

312 Gwinnett. 

VOL 

313 The Love 

314 Lavater, 

315 The Nobl 

316 Coriolanu 

317 The Wint 
3l8Eveleen \ 
319 Ivanhoe 



[lyl320 Jo 



(French's Standard Drama Confinued on ^dp.ige of Cover.) 



SAMUEL FRENCH, 26 West 23d Street, Now York City. 



A GOLD MINE 

a 5&Iap in €l)ree aict^ 



BY c^' ^, ^ '^ 

BRANDER MATTHEWS AND GEO>! h!'jESSOP 



CAUTION :- Professionals and Amateurs are hereby notified 
that this play is fully copyrighted under the existing laws 
of the United States Government, and nobody is al- 
lowed to do this play without first having obtained 
written permission of Samuel French, a6 West 
aad St., New York City, U. S. A. 



Copyright, 1908, by Brander Matthews and 
George H. Jessop 



New York 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

publisher 

26 WEST 22D STREET 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street, 

STRAND 



L!ijR/\RYofOOf!G.l£3S 
Tv.'u'CopiC;j(fiv;C lived 

JAN J 1^09 

Copyricnt Entry ^ 
' XXc, No. 







A GOLD MINE. 



Cbaracters; 

Silas K. Woolcott. of Grass Valley, 

California Mr. Nat. C. Goodwin 

Gerald Riordan, M.P., of Bally 

Dockslottery, Irelaud Mr. E. J. Buckley 

Silt EvERARD FoxwooD, Kut , scnior 

partner of Fox wood ik Co. , Change 

Alley, London Mr. Robt. G. Wilson 

George Fox wood, his son 3Ir. Harry Eversfield 

Julius Krebs, his confidential clerk, . Mr. John T. Craven. 

Wilson, the butler Mr. Thomas H. Burns 

The Hon. Mrs. Meredith, sister of 

Sir Everard Miss Kate Forsythc 

Miss Una Fox wood, his daughter. . . . Miss Nanette Corn- 
stock. 
Mrs. Vandervast, formerly Miss 

Grace Strangeways, "The Only 

Juliet " Miss Ida Vernon. 



Time :— 



Act I. — February 14th. 
Act IL— July 4th. 
Act IIL— July 5th. 



Scene.— Sir Everard Fox wood's house at Kew. 



A GOLD MINE. 



ACT I. 



Scene: Drawing room in the house of Sir Everard 
PoxwooD at Kew. Door l. to library. Door r. to 
conservatory, loith palms grouped about a garden 
seat. Circular sofa c. Archway opening on stair-, 
case at hack. Settee against wall l. 

Discovered: Wilson, lighting lamps and giving final 
touches to room. 

Wilson, (looking round) If art is the object to be 
pursued in this mansion, then art let it be, and if this 
is not artistic, I can't 'elp it. (crosses r.) 

(Enter George, c.) 

George. Anybody here yet, Wilson? 

Wilson. Not as jet, Master George. Art is like an 
owl, sir, and only flies at night; and it's early yet. 
Shall I light the lamps in the conservatory, sir? 

George. I'm sure T don't care whether you do or not. 
I don't know anything about it. 

Wilson. Perhaps it would be as well to light up, sir? 
(going towards conservatory) 

George. I dare say it would, and in the picture gal- 
lery as well. Not that it makes any difference to me. 

(Exit Wilson to conservatory, n. 3 e.) 

Art is a bore — receptions are a bore. — everything's a 
bore. I wish I were dead. 

(Sits on sofa c, and buries face in hands.) 

Why do people want to come here to enjoy themselves 
when I am so miserable? 

3 



4 A GOLD MINE. 

(Enter Una from passage l. through c.) 

Una. Ah, there you are, George! How do you lik« 
me? 

George. As well as I do anybody, just now. When 
will Aunt Florence arrive? 

Una. She came almost directly after dinner. She 
will be down presently. 

(Enter Wilson, c.) 

Wilson. Mr. Krebs, Master George, to see Sir Ever- 
ard. (crosses l and into library and exit) 

George, (aside, alarmed) Krebs! What does he 
want here now? 

(Enter Krebs, r. c.) 

George, (with affected ease) Hello, Krebs, is that 
you? The Governor will be here soon. 

Krebs. (speaking precisely, and ivith a slight Ger- 
man accent) Thank you, Master George, I am not in 
a hurry, (sits c.) Good evening, Miss Foxwood. (bows) 

Una. You look tired and harassed this evening, Mr. 
Krebs. I trust you have no bad news from Mentone? 

Krebs. I am glad to say that my wife is better now, 
and mending daily. I have no wo^ds to tell my grati- 
tude to your kind aunt, for her great generosity, which 
under Providence has proved the means of saving my 
wife's life. 

Una. I'll let papa know you are waiting, if you like, 
Mr. Krebs? 

Krebs. If you would be so good. Miss. (Una goes to 
door) 

George. The Governor won't much like being dis- 
turbed of a reception evening. 

(Exit Una, c. off l.) 

Krebs. Master George. (George moves uneasily) 
Something must be done. 

George, (helplessly) I know it, Krebs, I know it, 
but for Heaven's sake, what can I do? 

Krebs. You must raise the seven hundred pounds. 

George.' You might as well tell me to raise the dead. 
If the Governor thought I had lost the money on a 
horse-race, he would turn me out of the house, (drop- 
ping on chair) 



A GOLD MINE. 5 

Krebs. But if you 

(Enter Sir Everakd from Uhrary, l. 2 c. folloioed by 
Wilson, and Wilson exits c, BotJi rise.) 

Sir E. Well, Krebs, you want to see me, I am told? 

Krebs. (coming forivard) Yes, sir, I 

Sir E. (haughtily) You know I have a decided ob- 
jection to being followed home on business, (to George, 
who is going) You may remain, George. 

Krebs. (producing document) If you please. Sir 
Everard, I desired your signature to this statement 
which is to go before the Directors of the South Pales- 
tine Bitumen Company, Limited, to-morrow morning. 

Sir E. (glances over papers) Tut, tut, tut, this is 
not a very hopeful showing, Krebs. I shall have to send 
out a special agent to Palestine. Meanwhile I must see 
what can be done to create an artificial market. Till I 
can get this off my hands, I cannot manage my gold 
mine to advantage. 

Krebs. Then Mr. Wolcott has sold, sir? (George 
closes his memo, book and rises) 

Sir E. Not yet. But, I shall have that gold mine all 
in good time. Sir William Butler, and I have already 
taken the preliminary steps to incorporate a company 
for its purchase, (signs document) There, you can 
take it away, Krebs, and you might hint to the Directors 
to-morrow that in the present state of Eastern Europe 
it would be inexpedient to make anything regarding 
the affairs of the Palestine Company public, (to George, 
ivho lounges doum totvards him) You have heard what 
I have been saying, George? 

George. Yes, sir, that it would be inexpedient to 
make anything public regarding the affairs of the 
Palestine Company. 

Sir E. Exactly, and as a general rule the advice will 
apply to the affairs of any company, (laughs) That 
will do, Krebs, you can go. (Krebs goes to door c.) 

George, (folloiving him and tvhispering) I will do 
my best, Krebs. I think I have found a way, (exit 
Krebs, c. to l.) 

(RioRpAN enters.) 

Hello, Riordan. glad to see you. The Governor's here. 
This is Mr. Riordan, sir. 



6 A GOLD MINE. 

Sir E. I am glad to meet you, Mr. Riordan. I hope 
we may see as much of you in the future as your 
parliamentary duties will permit. 

RioRDA]v. Thank you, Sir Everard. I can't say an 
Irish M. P.'s berth is exactly a sinecure. 

Sir E. Legislature duties, sir, ought never to be a 
sinecure. 

Riordan. I know it. Poor fellows must work. It is 
only one of you city men, who can roll in riches like a 
cow in clover. 

Sir E. By making a few judicious speculations now 
and then a large fortune may be amassed very rapidly. 

Riordan. And scattered quite as fast. Many a man 
has found Capel Court a short cut to the County Court. 
(sits on sofa c.) 

Sir E. I said judicious speculations, Mr. Riordan. 

Riordan. Ah, but who is to be a judge of judicious- 
ness? Nothing succeeds but success. 

Sir E. Why do you not try your own fortune? 

Riordan. I've a hatful of reasons. In the first place, 
I don't know how. In New York, once I did " Wall 
Street " for the " Herald " for six months, but here in 
London I haven't the remotest idea how the cat will 
jump or who is going to let her out of the bag. 

Sir E. That is only one reason. 

Riordan. And I've another. A man has to raise the 
wind before he can fly kites. Now, I've no monfey. 
(George indicates that he has none) 

Sir E. (persistently) Your position is your capital. 
In the first place, you are a member of Parliament — 

Riordan. Elected for the purpose of breaking it up, 
to start a new one somewhere else. 

Sir E. Then you have another hold on the world of 
finance — you are a correspondent of a leading Trans- 
atlantic journal. 

Riordan. (smiling) I do a cable letter every Satur- 
day for the Gotham Gazette, but that's worth only fifty 
dollars a week. 

Sir E. (rising) It is worth as much as you choose 
to make it worth. I'll give you an instance. There 
is the South Palestine Bitumen Company — you shall 
have a prospectus before you go — I am buying in as fast 
as I can spare the money. Owing to local complications 



A GOLD MINE. 7 

it is very low just now. Of course I am not telling you 
this for publication. 

George. Yes, I heard the Governor tell old Krebs 
just now that it was inexpedient to make the affairs of 
the company public, (rises, C7-osses up) 

Sir E. (glancing at Riordan) Exactly so, George, 
but from a friend, as I trust Mr. Riordan will suffer me 
to call him — (Riordan rises, hows) I can have no 
secrets. If you will do me the favor of stepping with 
me into my den — (goes l. and opens library door) 

George, (low) Snuggest room in the house, old 
fellow — and such cigars and brandy. 

Riordan. (goirig l.) I'm at your service. Sir Ever- 
ard, and faith, I won't say but that Bitumen sounds 
like a dry subject that would stand a deal of moistening. 

Sir E. (pushing door open) After you. (Riordan 
hoivs and exit l., followed by Sir E.) 

George. That may be a good thing, though. The 
Governor's shrewd enough and he seems hot on it. I 
wonder if I couldn't pick up a hundred in the Bitumen 
stock, or even a thousand. There's lots of fellows would 
carry an account for me on my name, and — by Jove! I 
have a great mind to try it. 

Una. (entering c. from l.) George, here's Aunt- 
Florence! 

(Enter Mrs. Meredith c. from l.) 

Mrs. M. Well George! (George goes to her, she em- 
traces him) INIy dear, dear boy, I am delighted to see 
you! (holding him off at arm's length) You're not 
looking as well as I could wish. You need change of 
some kind. 

George, (aside) I need a good deal of change — 
about seven hundred pounds' worth. 

Mrs. M. (examining Una's costume) And I shall 
have to take you back to Paris with me, too, if it is 
only that you may learn how to dress. 

Una. Oh, Aunt, I am Undine. 

George. What rot! Una is always trying to be some- 
one else! She wants to sit to some artist fellow as a 
model. 

(Enter Sir E. l from library.) 

Sib E. (speaking back into library) I beg you will 



8 A GOLD MINE. 

make yourself perfectly at home. If you need anything, 
ring for it. (advancing) Ah, Florence, I am charmed 
to see you here. 

Mrs. M. And I am glad to see myself here, (they 
shake hands) What victim have you got in your toils 
yonder now? 

Sir E. In the library? That is Mr. Riordan, a young 
Irish journalist, a member of Parliament — home rule, 
of course — but he seems a very clever young fellow for 
all that. 

Una, Yes, papa, isn't he nice? 

GEORpE. He's no end of a brick, I know. 

Sir E. That is a courtly phrase I cannot but appre- 
ciate. 

George. You're always snubbing a fellow. Governor. 

Sir E. Well, Florence, I hope you won't fly back to 
Paris till the season is over. I intend to entertain more 
than usual this year. 

Mrs. M. For Una's sake. Perhaps you. are right. 
Una is a little eccentric, and eccentric girls — even when 
they are pretty and have money — don't always go off 
well. 

Una. Oh, Aunt, you are simply dreadful. 

Mrs. M. (to Sir E.) This evening sees the first of 
your entertainments — an art reception, isn't it? 

Sir E. Yes, a portrait of mine has come home, and I 
thought — ah — ahem — 

Mrs. M. You thought it your duty to gratify your 
friends with a view of it. Perhaps this Irish journalist 
is an art critic? 

Una. You will be sure to like him, aunty. 

Mrs. M. I'm not so sure of that, for I dislike an 
Irishman next to an American. 

Sir E. By the bye, I expect an American here to- 
night. 

Mrs. M. He or she? 

Sir E. a gentleman, with whom I have had some 
little business and expect to have more. 

Mrs. M. (smiling) Then he has a strong claim on 
my pity. 

Sir E.' I trust that you will be civil to him and make 
him at home. 

Mrs. M. I shall certainly be civil. I haven't different 



A GOLD MINE. 9 

manners for different nationalities; and as to making 
him at home, why, if he does not do that for himself, 
he will be the first American I ever met who did not. 
(rising, crosses to e.) 

Sir B. This Mr. Woolcott has acquired a valuable 
piece of property under the strange laws of his country, 
and I may — ahem — purchase it. I have invited him 
here to meet my friend. Sir William Butler, who may — 
ahem — be concerned in my business transactions with 
this Mr. Woolcott. 

Mrs. M. (sits) Well, I wish both you and Sir 
Williana Butler joy of your American, (fans herself) 

Una. What a beautiful fan; I wish I had one like 
that. 

George. Fancy Undine with a fan! 

Sir E. We must be moving now; our friends will be 
arriving presently. 

Mrs. M. And your Irishman yonder? (pointing l.) 

Sir E. I left him writing out a dispatch for his paper 
with some information I gave him about the state of 
affairs in South Palestine. Come, Una. (up to c.) 

(Exit L. c. downstairs with Una on his arm.) 

George. How jolly to have you here, aunt. There is 
no one like you. 

Mrs. M. (rising and leaving fan on seat) I want 
you to think of me as the best friend you have, George. 

George, (offering his arm) By Jove, you're a brick, 
Aunt Florence, and m — I'm — 

Mrs. M. You're what, George? 

George, (aside) I wish I had the pluck to make a 
clean breast of it to her, but — (aloud) I'm an awfully 
lucky fellow to have an aunt like you. 

(George and Mrs. M. meet Wilson coming on as they 
go off.) 

Mrs. M. Are you looking for anyone, Wilson? 

Wilson. No, ma'am. Sir Everard told me to go and 
get a telegraphic despatch, ma'am, that a gentleman is 
writing in his library. 

Mrs. M. Very well, (to George) It's the journal- 
istic Home Ruler. Come, dear. 

(Exit tvith George c. off l.) 



10 A GOLD MINE. 

(Enter Woolcott from conservatory e.) 

WooLCOTT. Well, this is the queerest place to get into 
I ever struck; all through the vines and palm trees like 
the entrance to the Garden of Eden. 

Wilson, (aside) Who's that gent? I don't know 'im 
and I never saw 'im here, (aloud) I beg yer pardon, 
sir. 

Woolcott. Don't mention it. 

Wilson. Might I ask who you was a-looking for, sir? 

WooLcoTT. Certainly, no secret about that. I'm after 
old Everard. 

Wilson. Sir Everard, sir? 

WooLcoTT. That's his full style and title, I guess. 

Wilson. Strange way to come, sir, in through the 
conservatory. 

Woolcott. Oh, that's the conservatory, is it? The 
cabby must have mistaken me for a hot-house plant. 

Wilson. The front door is 

WooLCOTT. Oh, there is a front door. I thought it 
odd when the cabby set me down opposite a kind of 
little wicket in the garden-wall; but it wasn't my place 
to be critical, so I just pushed ahead. 

Wilson. Might I ask your name, sir? 

WooLCOTT. I ain't ashamed of it. Silas K. Woolcott 
of Grass Valley, California, U. S. A. — sorry I left my 
card case in my other pants, but that's the full printed 
description. And now, who are you? (puts hat and 
coat on chair r.) 

Wilson. Butler, sir. 

WooLCOTT. The very old chap Everard was talking 
to me about. Shake, old man. (Wilson hesitates) 
Oh, come now; don't be so stiff and stand off. If we do 
business together, it may be money in your pocket yet. 
(Wilson shakes hands) So you're Butler, eh? William, 
isn't it? 

Wilson. Wilson, sir. 

WOOLCOTT. Thought it was William the old man 
said. Never mind, Wilson's near enough. 

Wilson. Shall I tell Sir Everard? 

Woolcott. That I'm here? Oh, he'll find it out fast 
enough. I'll try and worry along with you, by way of 
change. Sit down and let us have a sociable time. 

Wilson. Oh, I cawn't, sir. 



A GOLD MINE. 11 

WooLCOTT. What's the reason you "cawn't"? Got a 
stiff joint? {forces Wilson into seat and sits beside 
him ) 

Wilson, (aside) Remarkable affable gent! 

WooLcoTT. And now — don't you want to buy a gold 
mine? 

Wilson. A — ah — a — I beg your pardon, sir? 

WooLCOTT. Don't mention it. Now, this is biz — do 
you want to buy a gold mine? 

Wilson. Ah, now, sir, you're chawfing me! 

WooLCOTT. I suppose you object to talking business 
at an evening sociable? 

Wilson, (rising) If you'll excuse me, sir — 

V/ooLCOTT. (pulling him down) Now, sit down, But- 
ler, and make yourself miserable for a minute. Hasn't 
Everard told you anything about the mine? 

Wilson. ' Taint no wise likely Sir Everard should 
tell me anything of the kind, sir. 

WooLcoTT. Likely or not, he told me he would, and 
asked me here to-night especially to talk it over with 
you. 

Wilson. To talk it over with me, sir? 

WooLCOTT. Sure. 

Wilson. Most astonishing! 

WooLCOTT. You're Butler, ain't you? 

Wilson. That is my position, sir. 

WooLcoTT. Position's good! William Butler, eh? 

Wilson. Wilson, sir. 

WooLCOTT. Of course — sir Wilson Butler. 

Wilson, (rising) I 'umbly beg your pardon, sir 

WooLCOTT. Don't mention it. 

Wilson. Sir William Butler is expected here to- 
night. 

WooLCOTT. Brother of yours, eh? 

Wilson. I am the butler — Sir Everard's — ah — ahem 
— principal retainer, sir. 

WooLCOTT. Oh, the devil! 

Wilson. No, sir, the butler. 

WooLCOTT. (irritably) I wish to -goodness you but- 
lers wouldn't get yourselves up so confoundably re- 
spectable. How was I to tell you from a baronet? 

Wilson. I'm. sure I cawn't say 'ow, sir. 

WooLcoTT. (putting his hand in his pocket) Here's 



12 A GOLD MINE. 

one way. (produces coin) Do you know what that is? 

Wilson. It's a 'alf sovereign, sir. 

WooLcoTT. If I offered it to you — 

Wilson. I'd thank you 'umbly, sir. 

WooLcoTT. {giving it) No baronet about him. Now, 
go and tell old Everard I'm here. 

Wilson. One moment, sir. (goes off l. 2 e.) 

WooLCOTT. All I know about the home life of the 
British Aristocracy I've picked up from looking at the 
society drama at home. Now, they always dress their 
flunkies there in blue or red coats and silk knee- 
breeches, so it's comparatively easy to tell 'em from the 
real swells. But, with a fellow like that — he might be 
anyone fr6m a duke to a dancing master. 

Wilson, (entering l. with despatch in his hand. 
Crosses to r.) All right, sir, I'll order a 'ansom to 
take it directly, sir. 

WooLcoTT. And tell Everard I got past the man at 
the door and I'm here. 

Wilson. I beg your pardon, sir. Will you favor me 
with your name again, sir? 

WooLCOTT. Cert. I'm Silas K. Woolcott of Grass 
Valley, California, U. S. A. Try and have it by heart 
this time. 

(Wilson exits c.) 

RiORDAN. (entering from library) And is it Silas K. 
Woolcott I see before me? 

Woolcott. (r. douMfully) It isn't anyone else." 
(recognizing him) Gerald Riordan, as I'm a living 
sinner! 

Riordan. (shaking hands) I'm devilish glad to see 
you again, old fellow. 

Woolcott. The sam.e to you and many of them. 
And what brings you here to London? 

Riordan. I'm a member of Parliament, returned in 
the National interest for my native borough of Bally- 
nockslottery, and hard at work freeing Ireland by 
constitutional means. 

Woolcott. Good thing? 

Riordan. Is what a good thing? 

Woolcott. Any money in it? 

Riordan. Why man, it is patriotism, not filthy lucrj 

Woolcott. And don't you get anything for it? 



ci^! 



A GOLD MINE. 13 

RioKDAN. The devil a ha'porth, my boy, save and ex- 
cept always the reward of an approving conscience and 
the left-handed blessing of the ministry. 

WooLCOTT. Then I'd like to know what is done 
witli all the money we have been subscribing in 
America? 

RiORDAN. And what is it brings you here? 

WooLcoTT. I have come to sell a gold mine. 

RiORDAN. Honest? 

WooLcoTT. Honest? Well, I should dump a claim! 
The Treasure Trove is as honest as they can make them; 
and that's the cold truth, (insinuatingly) Now, don't 
you want to buy a gold mine? 

RiORDAN. Couldn't buy an inch of one, if they were 
selling like eggs at eighteen pence a score. 

WooLCOTT. Come have a gold mine with me. 

RiORDAN. Have you talked to Fox wood about it? 

WooLCOTT. Scarcely talked to anybody else. I've got 
him on the string, only it isn't long enough. He has 
offered me fifteen thousand, 

RiORDAN. Pounds or dollars? 

WooLcoTT. Pounds Sterling, Bank of England, gilt 
edge, extra dry. 

RiORDAN, And you won't take it? 

WooLcoTT. Not if the court knows itself, and it thinks 
it— do. 

RiORDAN. Faith, and it must be a very pretty thing, 

WooLCOTT. It is just the biggest thing on ice. Do 
you know Grass Valley, California? 

RiORDAN. Well? 

WooLCOTT. That's where it is. Things are just boom- 
ing in Gi'ass Valley now, and the Treasure Trove is on 
top of the heap. Old Foxwood knows all about it, 

RiORDAN, He wouldn't offer you money for it if he 
didn't. You seem to have struck it rich. 

WooLCOTT. I have for a fact, and it was about time, 
for I have had to rustle around pretty lively since I saw 
you. After that trouble in New York about my brother — ■ 
(pause) 

RiORDAN. (quietly) I remember. 

WooLcoTT. You managed to keep the worst of it out 
of the newspapers for me, and I've not forgotten it, 
Riofdan, and never will — (shakes hands) 



14 A GOLD MINE. 

RiORDAN. (sits on sofa) And after that? 

WooLcoTT. {sits on sofa) It took my bottom dollar 
to close up that account, so I went back to Colorado and 
turned cowboy. ' I rounded up cattle for a while; then 
I tried a little speculation in land and made some 
money, but luck went back on me again, and my cash 
and that of a lot of other tenderfeet went to keep up 
the carriage of the receiver of a railroad I helped to 
build. Then I went to prospecting. To make a long 
story short, I stumbled on the color in Eureka county — , 
and the quick way I grabbed the treasure wasn't slow. 

RioRDAN. Quartz? 

WooLCftTT. Quartz, of course. If it was a placer, do 
you think I'd be letting Foxwood cut into my pie? 
But, quartz takes capital to get it. 

RioRDAN. That's what a countryman of mine used to 
say whose income could seldom carry him beyond pints. 
(arising, crosses to l. George enters up c. looking for 
fan) Here's the son of the house. 

WooLCOTT. He's a good-looking young fellow. 

George. I say, Riordan, have you seen a fan? (as he 
looks up, WooLCOTT stavts and grips Riordan's arm) 

WooLCOTT. Don't you see a likeness? 

Riordan. There is something — 

WooLcoTT. They are as like as a Yankee boy can be 
to a Britisher. 

George, (finding fan) Ah, here it is. (going) 

Riordan. George, this is my friend, Mr. Woolcott of 
Grass Valley, California. 

George, (eagerly) I've ahvays wished I could go 
over to see California and the diggings and the big 
trees — and everything. 

Woolcott. (shaking hands heartily) Walk across 
some day — I shall be very glad to show you round. I 
know it from Alfred to Omaha. 

George, (to Riordan going up) He seems a good 
sort, that Yankee. 

(Exit doivn stairs c.) 

Vv^'ooLCOTT. (looking after him) Poor Charley! He 
might hav§ been as light-hearted and as happy as that 
boy is — if I'd got to New York twenty-four hours sooner. 

Riordan. (sits on chair r. of table l. during preced- 



A GOLD MINE. 15 

ing speech) Don't get thinking of it, old man. Tell 
me how you made out afterwards. 

WooLcoTT. {sits) Luck played it pretty low down on 
me for a good while, but I've got a drop on it now. 
Making money is a tough job, but spending it is as easy 
as rolling off a log; and when I sell the mine, I'll just 
paint the town red. 

RiORDAN. I suppose you'll cut a great swell. 

WooLcoTT. I wouldn't cut any swell unless he put on 
frills and most of them do. There seems to be dead 
loads of them here to-night. Are you reporting the 
orgy? 

RiORDAN. I am here trying to enjoy myself. Be- 
sides, there is a girl here that I am afraid I'm in love 
with. 

WooLcoTT. That's interesting. A man in love is more 
fun than a barrel of monkeys. Who is she? 

RiORDAN. I don't know who she is to-night. The 
first time I met her she was Mary Queen of Scots. 
Since then I have seen her as Pocahontas, Joan of Arc, 
Helen of Troy, and a dozen other interesting personages. 

WooLCOTT. You must find her a little confusing. 
What's her name? 

RiORDAN. She is the daughter of Sir Everard Foxr 
wood. 

WooLCOTT. I've no use for that man except to sell 
him the Treasure Trove; he is a hard old file. 

RiORDAN. He hasn't tried to rasp me yet. He enter- 
tains well though. To-night's soiree is in honor of a 
new portrait of himself, and if you want to get into his 
good graces, you might say that it doesn't do him 
justice. 

¥/ooLCOTT. To do that, they would have to hang him 
on the line, if half I hear about him is true. 

RioKDAN. If you take to judging men in this off-hand 
way you'll never get on in London. 

V/ooLcoTT. I don't want to. I want to sell my mine 
and go home — I've had London enough in mine; it's to6 
far from the Bowery, (rises) 

(RiORDAN rises.) 
RiORDAN. Wait until you get into society a bit, you'll 
like it better. You'll meet some handsome women here 
to-night. 



16 A GOLD MINE. 

WooLCOTT. Not half as many as I can meet on Broad- 
way any matinee afternoon. I did see a beauty to-day, 
though. I came up with her on the cars from Dover, 
and attempted a little travel talk with her, hut she 
squelched me with the regular stony British stare, 

RiORDAN. (standing l.) You didn't make much prog- 
ress, then? 

WooLcoTT. No, maybe I'll meet her again. I'd like 
to know her. 

RioRDAN. She must have made an impression. But 
London's a pretty big place, recollect. 

WooLCOTT. Too big and too selfish — all body and no 
heart. 

RiORDAN. That complaint comes oddly from a man of 
the world. 

WooLCOTT. You are a man of the world and I'm not. 
I'm a stranger from way-back. Just tell me who's who 
and give me a few stray hints, (they go up to hallus- 
trade) Say, Riordan, who is that? 

RiORDAN. Which? 

WOOLCOTT. The handsome woman with the large fan 
— she's a daisy. 

Riordan. The lady that Butler is speaking to? 

WooLCOTT. Damn that Butler! There, see with the 
fan! Now, she's moved away. That's the very lady I 
was telling you about — in the cars. 

Riordan. You are in luck; you will have a chanoe 
now to get acquainted. 

WOOLCOTT. (leaves liandker chief) Howde! 

Riordan. '^Ah, there's Miss Foxwood, the daughter of 
the house. She's got up as a water nymph of some sort. 
I must find out just what she represents or I'll get my- 
self into hotter water than she is supposed to have 
come out of. Ah, there is the only Juliet! 

WooLCOTT. Who ? 

Riordan. You see those two ladies coming out of the 
m.usic-room together, one with a fan — 

WooLcoTT. That is the one I asked you about just 
now. 

Riordan. And the other elaborately upholstered in 
black and gold, she is the only Juliet. 

WooLcoTT. And who is the only Juliet, when she is 
at home? 



A GOLD MINE. 17 

RioRDAN". (coming down together) She is Mrs. Van- 
dervast; she was Grace Strangeways, and the old critics 
swear we haven't had a Juliet since she left the stage. 
And she thinks so, too, and is always ready to spout 
Shakespeare to you at the shortest notice — she can never 
forget she was once the toast of the town. 

WooLCOTT. I wonder what took her to Dover? 

RiORDAN. She may have been in Paris. She's noth- 
ing to do but amuse herself and she's always dodging 
about. She left the stage to marry a Dutchman, the 
senior partner in Vandervast, Schriften & Co., and she 
is now the happiest of sublunary mortals, a wealthy 
widow, and likes to speculate now and then, (crosses 
down L.) 

WooLOOTT. Do you suppose she wants to buy a gold 
mine? 

RioRDAN. (l.) Faith, I don't know. You might try 
it. There is no difficulty in getting into her good graces 
if you approach her adroitly. Greet her as Juliet, play 
Romeo yourself, and draw on your memory and your 
imagination for all the hyperbole you can call up. 

WooLCOTT. (r.) She is a beauty — and no mistake!' 

RiOEDAN. She was a beauty. If you think her beauti- 
ful now, you must be looking at the wrong woman. 

WooLCOTT. " How silver sweet sound lovers tongues 
by night." If she will only come up here on the balcony, 
we can begin the scene at once. But, perhaps I had 
better wait until I have shed some of my wild Western 
ways. 

RiORDAN. Never think of it, my boy. Be as American 
as you can. The English like the humor of it. They 
are getting to be very fond of the Transatlantic flavors 
over here. Stick to jour Yankee twang, as they call it. 
Leave to the dudes in New York, all attempts at the 
English accent, and give full flow to all your Ameri- 
canism. 

WooLCOTT. Then I will venture an allusion to the 
venerable chestnut made by the ' Governor of North 
Carolina to the Governor of South Carolina. Which 
was that: " It's a long time between drinks." 

RioRDAN. Sir Everard has made me free of his pri- 
vate supplies in his library here and he told me to make 
myself at home, (going to library door l.) 
3 



18 A GOLD MINE. 

WooLCOTT. Then perhaps he has a soul to be saved 
after all. 

(As RioRDAN mid WooLCOTT Qo L., SiR E. e^itevs from 

R. U. E.) 

Sir E. (c.) How do you do, Mr. Woolcott? We 
can steal five minutes from social engagements and 
perhaps conclude our negotiations for your gold mine. 
What do you say? 

Woolcott. (c, aside to Riordan) I say I am 
euchered out of my drink, (aloud) At your service, 
Sir Everard. 

Sir E. I'll introduce you to Sir William Butler pres- 
ently. You haven't met him, I think? 

Woolcott. No; I thought I had, but he got away. 

Sir E. Young Butler — Sir William's son — has just 
finished a course at the engineering school. Sir William 
talks of sending out to examine the property. Now, 
Mr. Woolcott, what do you think of going back to 
California with him? 

Woolcott. What for? 

Sir E. To go over the property. 

Woolcott. I know it by heart, and I should think 
you would by this time. Still, I'm always glad of an 
excuse to go home for a spell. 

Riordan. The girl I left behind me — is that the idea, 
Mr. Woolcott? 

Sir E. Your wife resides in California, Mr. Woolcott? 

Woolcott. No, sir, she don't reside anywhere. I've 
had no leisure for courting in my life. When a man's 
making love, he's no time for making money. 

Sir E. You are a bachelor, then? 

Woolcott. (c.) Yes, always. I'm a bachelor by 
nature. I was born so. 

Sir E. (r.) But you have no objection to going over 
to California? 

Woolcott. Not in the least. 

Riordan. (l.) I don't think he likes London, Sir 
Everard. (going up l.) 

V/ooLcoTT. (aside to Riordan) Say, Riordan, don't 
finish the bottle. 

Riordan. Trust me. (exit in library) 

Woolcott. (aside) Trust you! Trust an Irishman 
with a whisky bottle! 



A GOLD MINE. 19 

Sir E. (sits) I will see young Butler here this 
evening and ascertain how soon he will be ready to 
start. 

WooLCOTT. (sits) - He can't start any too soon to 
please me. I wish you would make me a fair offer for 
the mine and let me finish the business right here. 

Sir E. I am willing to give you fifteen thousand 
pounds. 

WooLcoTT. I'm not willing to take it. Come, be 
sporty, Sir Everard! You know the mine's worth 
every shilling of twenty thousand pounds. 

Sir E. I must consider that when you get back from 
Grass Valley. 

WooLCOTT. Tne mine v/ill be neither richer nor 
poorer, and I won't drop a dollar in my price. You 
can't hatch a china egg, Sir Everard, if you set on it 
till the robins nest again. 

Sir E. Well, perhaps we can settle it by corre- 
spondence. 

WooLcoTT. No, sir, you can write around me every 
time. Before I'd start to do business with you by 
letter, I'd argue with a mule when his back is turned. 

Sir E. (haughtily) A mule! 

WooLCOTT. (rising) Nothing personal, Sir Everard. 
You're a kick above a mule for you're open to convic- 
tion, and I've something here that will convince you if 
anything will, (crosses to his overcoat and returns with 
quartz specimen) Just see the veins running through 
that! 

Sir E. (adjusting glasses) Very pretty, indeed! 

WooLCOTT. And no picked specimen, either. (Re- 
turns it to his overcoat) 

Sir E. Well I will see young Butler. This can 
wait till your return, but remember, Woolcott, my 
offer of fifteen thousand pounds is open any time you 
choose to close with it. Shall we go down stairs? 

Woolcott. It seems to me my friend Riordan may 
be lonesome in there. 

Sir E. Not at all. He's probably enjoying a cigar 
and a glass of brandy and water. 

Woolcott. Look at the luck some fellows have! 
^That's just what I've been pining for. 

Sir E. By all means, step in and try some. 



20 A GOLD MINE. 

WooLcoTT. Well, Sir Everard, I won't say no, for I've 
a thirst on me I wouldn't take ten dollars for. 

(WooLCOTT and Sir Everard off l.) 

George, (off c.) Now, lean on me, Mrs. Vandervast. 
There is no one here. You will have quiet and air and 
you will be better directly. 

{Enter c. upstairs George and Una Iringing on Mrs. 
Vandervast, toho is faint and assist her to chair 
down c.) 

Una. (fanning her with Mrs. M's fan) There now, 
how do you feel? 

Mrs. Van. Better, my dear, better. Ah, this reminds 
me of the last night I played Juliet — it was before 
your time, my dears. It was a command night from a 
very great personage, and the theatre was crowded to 
suffocation. What with the heat and the applause and 
the excitement I fainted after the potion scene, and the 
first thing I remember was, hearing a very distinguished 
voice saying: " So even Juliet is mortal! " Pretty, 
wasn't it? 

Una. (fanning) Very. 

Mrs. Van. And gratifying.' You need not fan me 
any more, dear; I am quite restored. 

(Una rises; gives fan to Mrs. Van. a?id goes r. Gf:orge 
gets to tadle and picks up hook.) 

(Enter Riordan l.) 

RiORDAN. Good evening, fair naiad! 

Una. Good evening. I'm Undine to-night. 

Riordan. And Undine is a naiad with all the modern 
improvements. But, what do my eyes behold? "It is 
the east and Juliet is the sun! " Don't arise, fair sun! 
(stopping Mrs. Van. who loould rise to greet him) 
But let the humblest of your slaves kiss your hands. 

George, (aside) What rot! (crosses in front of 
table to chair l. of table) 

Mrs Van. Ah, 'tis you, is it? Fair Mercutio — some- 
how, you always remind me of Mercutio— I fear you are 
a sad flatterer. 

Una. Indeed he is, Mrs. Vandervast. 

Riordan. (r. c.) This from Miss Foxwood! I can- 
not tell a lie* — I never flattpT*. 



A GOLD MINE. 21 

Una. (r.) I believe gentlemen on your side of the 
channel call it "blarney." (sits on chair r.) 

RioRDAN. Faith, blarney is the only butter we have 
to spread on the dry bread of conversation. The wisest 
and greatest of men have been indebted to it. Solomon 
was the wisest man that ever yet was known because 
he swam to Ireland and kissed the blarney-stone. 

Mrs. Van. Indeed! Is that historical? How in- 
teresting! 

RioRDAN. And was there ever such a past master in 
the art of blarney as your own friend Romeo? 

Mrs. Van. (sighing with pleasure) Ah, time has 
been, Mr. Riordan. 

Rtorpan, Of course it has, and it has ceased to be, 
having been conquered by an alliance of genius and 
beauty! " See even she leans her cheek upon her hand, 
would I were a glove upon that hand that I might 
touch that cheek." 

George, (aside) Rubbish! 

(Strain of music heard off,) 

Riordan. Hark! They are dancing! 

Una. They are getting up a set of quadrilles. 

Riordan. Quadrilles are respectable if slow — a sort 
of tacit protest against the immorality of dancing. 
Will Undine honor me? (offering his arm. She hesi- 
tates) 

Mrs. Van. Run along, dear, and enjoy yourself. 
Don't mind me. George will take me into the conser- 
vatory and I shall do very well. (George turiis to run) 

Riordan. Thrice happy George! Ah, madam, if it 
was only a question of saraband or even a minuet. 

George, (to Riordan) You won't get into the set if 
you don't look sharp. 

Riordan. Pair Juliet, adieu. " Parting is such sweet 
sorrow that I could say good night till to-morrow." 
Come, Miss Foxwood. 

(Una a7id Riordan exit c. down stairs r.) 

George. Did you saj' you'd like to go into the con- 
servatory, Mrs. Vandervast? It's awfully jolly and ro- 
mantic and all that, you know, when the lamps are lit. 

Mrs. Van. I think I should. (George offers her 



22 A GOLD MINE. 

right arm) No, the other arm, George. In escorting a 
lady, you should always offer her the left arm, leaving 
the sword arm free to defend her. 

{They go toivards conservatory r., meeting Mrs. Mere- 
dith entering c. np stage to r.) 

Mrs. M. You are better, I trust? I got away as soon 
as I could to see how you were. 

Mrs. Van. Thank you, I am distinctly better, and my 
kind young friend is taking me to the conservatory. 
So, I can return the fan now with. many, many thanks. 

Mrs. M. You are sure you do not need it? 

George. Oh, she's all jolly now. Aren't you, Mrs. 
Vandervast? 

Mrs. Van. Indeed yes, I assure you. 

{Exit loith George into conservatory b.) 

Mrs. M. {seating herself on sofa) I am beginning 
to be tired, I confess. Even a woman cannot, travel all 
day and play the hostess in the evening without feeling 
the fatigue, {fans herself) 

{Enter Woolcott froin library l.) 

WooLCOTT. {aside) There's the only Juliet — fan and 
all! Great scott, but she's a pretty woman. There was 
excuse for Romeo, {shuts the door) 

Mrs. M. Here is Everard's Home-Rule Irishman I 
Why, it's the same man I cam.e up from Dover with this 
afternoon, {rises) 

WooLcoTT. Ah, good evening. I had the pleasure of 
seeing you on the train to-day. 

Mrs. M. I saw you. 

Woolcott. Did you? It seemed to me that you 
were looking right through me, as if my face was a 
pane of glass and my back hair a landscape. 

Mrs. M. I believe I have a sense of humor. 

Woolcott. So have I. Some day or other I mean to 
come over here and start a funny Punch. 

Mrs. M. That is rather cruel to the present publi- 
cation, {boivs slightly and as she moves aivay drops 
her fan) 

Woolcott. {stepping fortvard and restoring it to her) 
Sweets to the sweet. 

Mrs. M. {surprised) Sir! 



A GOLD MINE. 23 

WooLCOTT, There's a blunder to begin with. That's 
Hamlet, and it's Romeo aud Juliet she's struck after. 
(aloud) A pleasant reunion our friend Sir Sverard has 
here to-night. 

Mrs. M. (amused) I find it amusing — now: Have 
you known Sir Everard long? 

WooLcoTT. Not a great while. Quite a little man, 
isn't he? 

Mrs. M. Why, what should he be? 

WooLcoTT. Nothing, nothing. Is he a great admirer 
of Shakespeare? 

Mrs. M. I think he appreciates Shakespeare and the 
musical glasses. 

WooLcoTT. (emlyarrassed) Of course, of course. 
(aside) Now, what is she talking about? Musical 
glasses? That's a little high for me! 

Mrs. M. (aside) Either he's been taking a glass 
that wasn't musical or he's a little touched in the head — 
or perhaps he's only an Irishman. But he is amusing. 

WooLCOTT. (aside) My recollection of Romeo is very 
rusty — and besides I can't recall that he ever tried to 
sell Juliet a gold mine, (aloud) How long is it since 
you left the theatre? 

Mrs. M. Left the theatre? I haven't been to the play 
this evening. 

WooLcoTT. Of course of course — I mean since you left 
it — gave it up. 

Mrs. M. I have not been to the theatre since my poor 
husband's death. 

WooLCOTT. (aside) If I don't strike a lead soon, the 
conversation will not pan out very profitably, (aloud) 
So, you are a widow? 

Mrs. M. Yes. (aside) This is really amusing. The 
man is an original! 

WooLcoTT. Seeing you so beautiful, I might have 
guessed that some man had died for love of you and 
left you his widow. 

Mrs. M. (aside) Here is Irish blarney witli a ven- 
geance, (aloud) You are very complimentary. 

WooLCOTT. " Oh, thou dost teach the torches to burn 
bright. Thy beauty hangs upon the brows of night like 
a rich jewel in an Ethiop's ear." 

Mrs. M. Haven't I heard that somewhere before? 



24 A GOLD MINE. 

WooLcoTT. Of course, of course. That's Romeo and 
Juliet, isn't it? 

Mrs. M. It is very pretty indeed — but I do not greatly 
care for second-hand compliments. 

WooLCOTT. (aside) She's mighty bright woman — and 
not half as crazy after Juliet as Riordan said. 

Mrs. M. (aside) Now he can tell me if he will. He 
is a Home-Rule M. P. and I have long wanted to know 
if these fellows are really patriotic or altogether selfish. 
(aloud) May I take the liberty of asking you a ques- 
tion or two on a subject which interests me greatly? 

WooLCpTT. Any information I can give is entirely at 
your service. 

Mrs. M. And you will answer me truthfully? 

WooLcoTT. (puzzled) Of course, of course. 

Mrs. M. And you will not be offended? 

WooLCOTT. Certainly not. 

Mrs. M. Well, then — about this movement — how shall 
I phrase it — this business of yours that brings so many 
of your countrymen to London — how does it get on? 

WooLCOTT. Not so fast as I could wish. There's a 
great deal of shilly-shally and hang-back about your 
leading men over here. 

Mrs. M. So I should have supposed. But, assuming 
-you are successful, do you, individually expect to make 
money out of it? 

WoOLCOTT. Well, I should smile. 

Mrs. M. Excuse me, but what does " I should smile " 
mean? 

WooLCOTT. It expressed enthusiastic assent. 

Mrs. M. Then you do expect to make money out of it? 

WooLCOTT. Of couse — of course 

Mrs. M. (aside) They are as mercenary as I 
thought! 

WooLCOTT. Why should I bother about it if I didn't 
hope to make my pile? 

Mrs. M. Very true, why indeed? That is candid at 
any rate. Then you do not fight for the principle of the 
thing at all? 

WooLCOTT. Certainly I do. It is my principal, and I 
propose to 'turn it into cash if I can, 

Mrs. M. Sell it, in fact? 

WooLCOTT. To the highest bidder. To yourself, Ma- 
dam, if you make me a good offer. 



A GOLD MINE. 25 

Mrs. M. Thank you, it is quite out of my line, and 
I only asked as a matter of curiosity. 

WooLcoTT. Hold on! I'll give you a specimen. 
(rises; makes for his coat) 

Mrs. M. Never mind it. After what you told me, 
your oratory would fall rather fiat. 

WooLCOTT. My oratory! I wasn't going to preach a 
sermon over it. But, it's good! You don't know what 
you might make out of it. 

Mrs. M. (aside) I don't know quite what to make 
of him. 

WooLcoTT. (aside) Perhaps if I gave her a little 
more Juliet and Romeo 

Mrs. M. Apart from the money then, you take no 
interest at all. 

Vv^ooLCOTT. If I am paid a lump sum, I shall have 
no occasion to take interest. 

Mrs. M. No doubt you know best; but that does 
not seem to me a very patriotic way of looking at the 
matter. 

WooLCOTT. Patriotism has nothing to do with it, as 
far as I can see. To me, it is a mere matter of business 
— just a gold mine, neither more or less. 

Mrs. M. a gold mine, of course; and I have no doubt 
it will prove a profitable one. 

WooLCOTT. (rises) Thank you, ma'am, I hope it will. 
I need it in my business. 

Mrs. M. I thank you for your kindness — and your 
candor, (rises) I've never had so close a view of the 
Irish question before, ingoing up r.) 

WooLCOTT. There's nothing so Irish in a square trade. 
(aside) She mustn't go before I have a chance to 
soften her heart with a little more Romeo, (aloud) I 
answered your questions, now, won't you do me a favor? 

Mrs. M. If I can. 

WooLcoTT. Just run through a scene or two of Juliet 
for me. 

Mrs. M. (surprised) Juliet! 

WooLcoTT. Don't refuse me, I know you gave up the 
stage long ago. 

Mrs. M. (astonished) What? 

WooLCOTT. You are famous on the other side of the 
water, and when I go back, I'd like to be able to say I 



26 A GOLD MINE. 

had gone through the balcony scene with the only- 
Juliet! 

Mrs. M. The only Juliet! (aside, much amused) 
The man takes me for Mrs. Vandervast. Now, I under- 
stand his high flown compliments. Uaitghing) This 
will be the death of me. 

WooLcoTT. {persuasively) Just a few lines 

Mrs. M. You must prompt me then, for it is a long 
while since I have read the play. 

WooLcoTT. All right! (aside) By Jove, I wish I 
could speak the lines on my own account. (aloud) 
You hold your face as if you had the toothache. See, 
how she leans her head upon her hand. Oh, would I 
were a glove upon that haad, that I might kiss — or touch 
— is it? Is it kiss or touch? 

Mrs. M. Neither if I know it. 

WooLCOTT. Anyhow, there is " cheek " in the line. 

Mrs. M. And it is a word you are thoroughly familiar 
with! 

WooLCOTT. Then you answer — " Oh, Romeo, Romeo, 
wherefore art thou Romeo? " 

(Mrs. Vandervast and George enter from r.) 

Mrs. Van. They are trying over the balcony scene. 
This is the position, (adjusting Mrs. Meredith) 

(Sir Everard enters l.) 

Sir E. Mr. Woolcott, what do you mean^kneeling 
before my sister like a confounded idiot? 

WooLCOTT. Your sister! 

Sir E. My sister, Mrs. Meredith. (Woolcott staggers 
hack to sofa) 

Mrs. M. Mr. Woolcott and I have managed to fall 
into acquaintance. 

Woolcott. Well, Mrs. Meredith, all I can say is, I 
hope we shall never fall out. 

(Enter Wilson, c. from l., with a tray of ices. He hands 
them around.) 

Mrs. Mr Allow me to introduce you to the genuine, the 
only Juliet. (Woolcott and Mrs. Vandervast Jyow) 

Woolcott. (aside) That's different. Good-bye, 
Romeo. 



A GOLD MINE. 27 

(Una and Riordan enter c.) 

Wilson, (handing Woolcott tray) Ice, sir? 

WooLCOTT. (talcing one) Thank you, I could stand 
an iceberg just now. (mopping his face) 

Sir E. Well, Mr. Woolcott, as I was about to say, 
when this absurd scene put everything out of my head — 

Mrs. M. Don't scold, Everard, it has given me the best 
laugh I've had for months. 

Woolcott. (recovering) I'm glad I amused you, Mrs. 
Meredith. I suppose now, you'll look on me as a mounte- 
bank to the end of the chapter. 

Riordan. That won't be long, if you're going right 
back to California? 

Sir B. Young Butler says he can sail Saturday. You 
will be ready then, I suppose, Mr. Woolcott? 

Mrs. M. Are you going away so soon? What a pity! 

Woolcott. Think so? Then I won't go at all. 

Sir E. Not go — why I've arranged it all with young 
Butler. 

Woolcott. Butler can go without me. I've changed 
my mind, (looking at Mrs. M.) 

(Music of waltz heard.) 

Riordan. Our waltz, Miss Una. (offers his arm and 
they dance up) 

Woolcott. (to Mrs. M.) May I have the pleasure? 

Mrs. M. (aside) Well, he is amusing. (aloud) 
Yes. 

curtain. 



28 A GOLD MINE. 



ACT II. 

Scene: Five months later. Plays July ith. Same set 
as Act I. Early afternoon. 

' Wilson brings on Krebs, c, upstairs l, 

Wilson. Sit down here, if you've a mind to, Mr. 
Krebs, but you may have to wait a goodish bit. Master 
George was gone to Lords to-day, playing in a cricket 
match. 

Krebs. (sits i*) A cricket match. These English are 
a strange people, they would leave their house burning 
to go to a cricket match, 

Wilson, (r. c.) Which they know the duty they 
owe, sir, to their country and their eleven, 

(Enter George c, dressed in cricketing flannels; his left 
hand bandaged and arm in sling.) 

George, (coming down c.) Hello, Krebs, is that you? 

Krebs. (l,) I wanted to see you. I hope no accident 
has happened. 

George, (c.) Nothing much. Enough to send me 
home though. I have been playing cricket and managed 
to split two of my fingers. But, you wanted to see me, 
Krebs? 

Krebs. There is a little matter of business — (points 
and looks at Wilson) 

George, (understanding) Wilson, will you go down 
and dismiss that cab. I haven't any money in these 
pockets — (aside) — and precious little anywhere else. 
(crosses r,) 

(Wilson exits downstairs, r. c.) 

GeorgE'. (after watching him off) What is it? I 
gave you that seven hundred pounds months ago to settle 
up with. 

Krebs. (rising, coming c. to George) That is all 



A GOLD TUNE. 29 

settled. This is something else. Do you know who was 
in the office this morning? 

George, (r.) No. 

Krebs. (l.) Mr. Selover of Sharp and Selover, 

George. The stockbrokers! Good gracious! Did he 
see the Governor? 

Krebs. Sir Everard's not been down to-day. Mr. 
Selover spoke to me, sir, and 

George, I know — I know! Lord, what a precious fool 
I have been, 

Krebs. This is a very serious matter. Mr. Selover 
said it was close upon ten thousand pounds. 

George. So much as that? I had no idea. They 
have been carrying stock for me, Krebs. and 

Krebs. Mr. Selover told me all about it. He said 
they had no objection to continue to carry you, if Sir 
Everard said it was all right, but it is a very heavy 
account for so young a gentleman, so he thought he 
would ask if Sir Everard approved. 

George. Approved! If he hears of it, Krebs, I don't 
know what he'd do. He'd — oh. Heavens, (walking up 
and down r.) 

Krebs. Sir Everard has sold nearly all his Palestine 
Bitumen shares. 

George, (bitterly) He has sold them to me, and he 
sold me with them! (strong) 

Krebs. And that will not make him more amiable 
when he discovers it. 

George. But he must not discover it. Oh, what am 
I to do? 

Krebs. We must try and get a little time from 
Sharp and Selover till you can turn round and get the 
money. 

George, (bitterly) Oh, that'll be easy. I found it so 
simple to get seven hundred pounds that there'll be no 
trouble at all raising ten thousand. But, I'll see what 
can be done. I'll — oh, — I don't know what to do! (dis- 
tractedly) 

Krebs. You may count on me, Master George, to help 
you all I can. I will go straight to their office, (gets 
Jiat at table l.) I will telegraph to you at once to say 
whether or not, they will give you till the end of the 
week. 



30 A GOLD MINE. 

George. That's the most they'll let me have, I suppose? 

Krebs. It is more than I expect they will let you 
have. 

George. I shall be on pins and needles till I get your 
telegram. (Krebs going) Oh, I say — (Krebs goes Tyack 
to George again c.) If Una sees it, she's safe to open 
it — she can't believe a brother has any secrets from his 
sister. Put it this way, if they will give me till Sat- 
urday before they see the Governor, wire " Two runs 
to spare " or if it's a case of to-morrow: " Bowled out." 
Then if Una does get hold of it, she'll think it something 
about a cricket match. 

Krei^s. " Two runs to spare," or " Bowled out." I 
will remember, {sees Una coming — motions George to 
fte still,) 

(Enter Una from conservatory r. She wears a dress 
very like Marguerite's in " Faust." ) 

Una. (r. c.) Oh, George, what is the matter with 
your hand? 

George. It's nothing, I hurt it at Lord's. 

Una. Oh, you poor dear boy! Let me see it. 

George, (annoyed — crossing r.) I can't untie it for 
you to peep at. 

Una. (seeing Krebs) Good afternoon, Mr. Krebs. 
Did you want to see papa? He's not well to-day, and 
has gone for a walk, but he'll be back directly. 

Krebs. I cannot wait any longer, but it is of no con- 
sequence 

Una. And how is Mrs: Krebs? 

Krebs. Greatly better,, thank you. She owes her life 
to your dear Aunt — Heaven bless her! I expect her 
home to-night, and she will take an early day to ex- 
press her gratitude to Mrs. Meredith. 

Una. I am so glad to hear she is improved. 

George, (fldgetting) I'll walk down with you to the 
corner, Krebs, and see you on your bus. 

Una. But ought you to walk, George, with your 
hand? 

George. I don't walk with my hands, you little goose! 
(Una annoyed, goes to tahle l. and stands) Come, 
Krebs — (they go up) 

Una, (sitting r. of tadle l.) I can't think what is 



A GOLD MINE. 31 

the matter wih George. He seems so strange — as though 
he were worried about something. And I don't believe 
Mr. Riordan meant to come at all. Here it is nearly 
3 o'clock, and he promised me last night t'lat he would 
call early, and see how I was after my fatigue — as if a 
ball fatigued me. Still, I wish he'd come all the same. 
It's too bad to dress for nothing, and I could have 
lounged away the whole afternoon in my Marie Antoin- 
ette. 

{Enter RioRDAisr l. c, unperceived.) 

And I dressed as Hibernia last night, just out of com- 
pliment to him, and because the tiresome florist could 
not send me any shamrock, and I had to wear laurel in- 
stead, he took me for Daphne. (Riordan steals up, and 
kisses her hand) 

Riordan. Fair Marguerite, I kiss your hand! 

Una. (with a little scream) Oh, Mr. Riordan, how 
you startled me! Who could have expected you so early? 

Riordan. Is it early? I thought it was late. 

Una. I wish you could feel how my heart is beating? 

Riordan. I wish I could. I didn't intend to startle 
you. I'm not Mephistopheles. I've got you right this 
time, haven't I — you're Marguerite? 

Una. Of course, I'm Marguerite, but I wonder at your 
knowing it. I should have supposed that you would 
have taken me for Daphne again. 

Riordan. Not twice in twenty-four hours. But my 
mistake last night was excusable enough. But, you 
looked charming. 

Una. Did I? It was a delightful ball. But, what 
possessed you to go as the Toreador? 

Riordan. Because you told me you were going as 
Carmen. 

Una. That's pretty. But, fancy an Irish bull-fighter! 

Riordan. An Irish John-bull fighter would be more 
appropriate, would it not? 

Una. You mustn't abuse England to me. 

Riordan. Then you mustn't abuse Ireland to me. To 
paraphrase Cowper, I will say: "Ireland, with all thy 
faults, I love thee still! " 

Una. Mr. Riordan, what can you mean? 

Riordan. I mean I love you. (Una turns from him 
Still seated) Oh, don't turn away your head, Una. 



32 A GOLD MINE. 

Won't you give me an v.ns^rer? Can't you say "Yes?" 
Just one little "Yes?" — from your sv.eet lips is all I 
need to make m-e the happiest m^an in the universe this 
minute. 

Wilson, (at c. announcing) Mrs. Vandervast! {exit 
c.) 

RiORDAN. (jumping up) The devil! 

Mrs. Van. (coming airily forioard) Ah, young peo- 
ple! I am not spoiling a tete-a-tete, I hope? 

RioRDAN. (aside) You'e spoiling my temper. 

Mrs. Van. But I must positively have someone to 
compare notes with about the ball last night. Don't 
ask me to take off my things, because I'm going to. 
(taking off shawl, parasol, sits c.) Where is Mrs. 
Meredith? . 

Una. (l. c.) Aunt has gone out. 

Mrs. Van. How provoking! I hope you enjoyed your- 
self, dear? I saw you, and you were looking lovely! 
Didn't you think so, Mr. Riordan? 

RiORDAN. Miss Foxwood knows what I thought of her 
last night — (aside to Una) and always. 

Una. Yet he mistook me for Daphne. 

Mrs. Van. Did he? How very stupid! If Mercutio 
will excuse my saying so, I knew you at once — Cordelia 
— and admirably you were made up, my dear — (Rior- 
dan laughs) What are you laughing at, Mr. Riordan? 
I have played the part, and I am sure I ought to be 
competent to express an opinion on Cordelia's cos'tume 
— Now, what did you think of me? 

Riordan. Madam, I found you, as I always do, the* 
most charming impersonator of Juliet, heart could de- 
sire, either on or off the stage, (pointedly) Will you 
subscribe to my declaration. Miss Foxwood? 

Mrs. Van. To be sure she will, dear girl, only too 
partial to her friends. Did you see old Lord Vavasour 
speaking to me? A dear old man! The bouquets he 
used to send me thirty years ago! Do you know what 
he said to me last night — " If Grace Strangeways ever 
carried the charms of Juliet to adorn private life, I had 
hoped her new initial would have been " V." 

Una. And so it is. 

Mrs. Van. Exactly so, my dear, but that was not 
exactly what Lord Vavasour meant, and he intended it 
for a compliment, poor fellow. 



A GOLD MINE. 33 

RiORDAN. When Mr. Vandervast proposed to you — 
you'll stop me if I am impertinent — how did he do it? 

Mrs. Van. I don't say you are impertinent, but it is 
an odd question. Why do you wish to know? 

RiORDAN. Be<}ause I have been thinking of proposing 
myself, and I am collecting all the methods of successful 
suitors of modern history with the view of selecting 
one for my own use. 

Mrs. Van. Dear me, that is ingenious, and worthy 
of Mercutio. Well, Mr. Vandervast borrowed a prompt 
copy of Romeo and studied the whole part. He had a 
sad Dutch accent, poor fellow, which rather marred his 
delivery when the time came, but after all, Romeo was 
a foreigner too. 

RiORDAN. I am afraid that precedent — even with the 
sanction of its distinguished success, (botving to Mrs. 
Van) would hardly answer my case. 

Mrs. Van. You had better woo as Mercutio than as 
Romeo, but I hope you will succeed. 

RiORDAN. Will you echo that wish. Miss Foxwood? 

Mrs. Van. Of course, she will, the dear child. 

RiORDAN. (impatiently) Can't you let her answer 
for herself, Mrs. Vandervast? 

Mrs. Van. There now, Mr. Riordan, you have made 
her blush. " Love's ensign yet is crimson on her 
cheeks! " 

RiORDAN. Do you think I shall speed in my wooing, 
Miss Foxwood? 

Una. (hesitating) If you are wooing in earnest — 
(looking up and coicTiingr Riordan's gaze, he makes ges- 
ture of solemn asseveration. She looks down again) I 
think you have won your suit. 

(RiORDAN jumps up joyfully and seizes Una's hand he- 
hind Mrs. Van's hack.) 

Mrs. Van. What did I tell you? And I do believe 
the girl's right, I think you have certainly got past 
the proposal. Tell me, in confidence, now when is the 
happy day? 

Riordan. I must have an opportunity to consult with 
the lady before I can answer that question, (telegraph- 
ing to Una) I wonder what she will say? 

Una. You ought to be ashamed of yourself! 
3 



3i A GOLD MINE. 

RioRDAN. (laughing) Do you think she'll make me 
wait long? 

Una. (stamping) She'd make you wait forever, if 
she knew that you dared to laugh at her. 

Mrs. Van. Not she. She may send me away the first 
time, but not far. But there, there! If Mrs. Meredith 
is not in, I think I will go. 

Una. Surely not so soon, Mrs. Vandervast. But if 
you really must — you know — here are your things — 
let me put them on for you. 

Mrs. Van. Thank you, my dear. 

RioRDAN. And this is your parasol. Shall I see if 
your carriage is at the door? 

Mrs. Van. I ordered the coachman to remain, as 1 
only ran up here for a minute. 

RioRDAN. (aside) Ye gods! What a minute she 
chose! (going l., then hack) Allow me! (offers arm) 

(This is said as he goes up, as if to take her doion 
stairs. ) 

Mrs. Van. (re-seating herself) By the way, dear, are 

you going to Lady Caldecott's this evening ? 

Una. I am — no — yes — I believe so. 

(Riordan up stage is expressing agony of impatience.) 

Mrs. Van. Because if your people are not going, I 
have an extra card and I will be most pleased to call 
for you. 

Una. Thank you ever so much, but we have all got 
cards, and I am ever so much obliged to you. And 
now I shall never forgive myself if I keep you from 
your drive for a moment longer this lovely afternoon. 
(Riordan fidgeting l. forced smile) 

(Enter George c, meeting Mrs. Van who is teing es- 
corted off hy Riordan.) 

George. How do you do, Mrs. Vandervast? (they 
shake hands) 

Riordan. This looks like a positive conspiracy. 

George. I beg your pardon, Una 

Mrs. Van. But what is the matter with your hand? 

George. Nothing to signify. I hurt it at cricket. I 
say, Una, has a telegrara come for me? 



A GOLD MINE. 85 

Una. Not that I know of. If you expect one, you 
had better ask down stairs. 

Mrs. Van. And you can give me your arm down to 
the carriage. I will excuse your right arm this time, 
my poor wounded knight. Good-bye, dear, and all pos- 
sible success to you, Mr. Mercutio. 

(RiOEDAN doion L. Una is down r. George and Mrs. 
Van exeunt c, downstairs l.) 

RiORDAN. Thank Heaven, she's gone. 

Una. I thought she'd never go. 

RiORDAN. I wish she had not come. At last! 

(Rushes down to Una, embracing fier.) 

So, you do love me! 

Una. Just a little, though you do not deserve it, 
making me so uncomfortable with your hints and in- 
nuendos. 

RiORDAN. I will let you scold me as much as you 
please now you have confessed that you love me. (kisses 
her) Did you know I loved you? 

Una. I thought so. In fact, I've been expecting you 
to propose for about two weeks now. 

RiORDAN. Two weeks wasted. I must make up for 
lost time, (kisses her) 

Una. You must not do so, Mr. Riordan. 

RiORDAN. Call me Gerald. 

Una. Well, one kiss a day is enough, Mr. Gerald. 

RiORDAN. Not Mr. Gerald, just plain Gerald. 

Una. I can't call you plain Gerald, you're too good 
looking. See how you've fidgeted yourself into a state 
of untidyness. Stoop down and let me settle your tie. 

RiORDAN. Una 

Una. Yes — Gerald. 

RiORDAN. Do you think it's right for a young lady to 
keep what doesn't belong to her? 

Una. Certainly not. 

RiORDAN. Then, I'll trouble you- to give me back 
those kisses I gave you just now. 

Una. Oh, Gerald, I can't. 

RiORDAN. Just one. It is quite easy when you've 
once made a beginning, (draws her to him) 

Una. Only a little one. (kisses him) 



36 A GOLD MINE. 

RioKDAN. Sure, I'll be generous and won't keep it. 
(kisses her) 

(Enter Woolcott c.) 

(Una crosses l. and turns; Riordan goes r.) 

Woolcott. (shaking hands) How's yourself, Miss 
Una? Well, Riordan, you haven't blown up Parliament 
with that dynamite speech yet, I see? 

Riordan, The explosion is set to come off to-night. 

Woolcott, The Fourth of July is just the day for 
fireworks and oratory. I've an appointment here with 
Sir Everard, but it goes against the grain to be doing 
business on the Fourth. Yet we can hardly expect a 
Britisher 'to take stock in that anniversary. 

Riordan. So it is the Fourth of July! I hadn't 
thought of it. 

Woolcott. Of course, of course, you're only an alien. 

Una. And what is the Fourth of July remarkable for? 

Riordan. It is the birthday of your favorite Pocahon- 
tas. 

Una. Not really! 

Woolcott. He's chaffing you. (oratorically) It is 
the greatest day of the year in America, for it is the 
anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It is 
on the Fourth of July that the spread eagle of America 
flaps its wings and soars into the blue empyrean 

Mrs. M. (entering c. upstairs) Is Mr. Woolcott mak- 
ing what he would call a stump speech? 

Woolcott. Of course, of course, (aside) That wo- 
man shuts me up like a jack-knife, only I'm not half 
as sharp. 

Mrs. M. (sinking on sofa and fanning) What a 
warm day it is. Una dear, take my bonnet off. 

Riordan. (to Woolcott) You are not going? 

Woolcott. Why not? — as Mrs. Meredith says, it is a 
warm day. Why should I stay to be roasted? 

Riordan. You don't mind her chaff, do you? 

Woolcott. I like it. I could not live without it, but 
it is like a cold shower bath, invigorating in the end, 
but a great shock at first. 

Riordan. I like to see a handsome widow with a 
good flow of spirits. 

Woolcott.' I like this handsome widow, but a man 
has no more chance with one than a trading schooner 



A COLD MINE. 37 

has with a privateer. They all sail under the black 
flag, and if they do happen to marry again, they are 
still no better than pirates who only hoist the white 
flag that they may get within arm's length of the foe, 

(During above, Una has been removing Tier aunfs bon- 
net and otherwise assisting her.) 

Mrs. M. Thank you, dear, that's better. Yes, you 
can have that bud if you admire it, (Una takes flower 
from Mrs. M's, breast) Do you know, I think we are 
the most inconsistent people in the world, living in 
London through the dog days, and going to the country 
only when it gets too cold to be agreeable there, 

WooLcoTT. Now we do exactly the reverse in Amer- 
ica, we 

Mrs. M, Now don't talk i.bout America, I see the 
thermometer stood at 102 in the shade in New York 
yesterday, 

WooLcoTT, Ours is a great country, ma'am, and we 
like a big thing, whether it is a circus, or a railroad, or 
a hot spell — we get all we can. 

Mrs, M. And here in London we do all we can, till 
we can't do any more. Consider my day's work. I le.ic 
the ball about one o'clock, and from two till nine I 
enjoyed a little rest and blessed oblivion. At nine I 
was downstairs giving my dear boy his breakfast. Then 
I wrote letters — thirteen of them. Then there was 
luncheon to eat and dinner to order. Then the carriage 
comes round and off I go alone. The streets are muddy 
where the sprinkling cart has passed and an inch deep 
in dust anywhere else. This is London in the season. 
And there I am at last, after spending an hour and a 
half at the meeting of the patroness of the Charitable 
Eye and Ear Infirmary. 

WooLcoTT. {drily) I did not know there was a char- 
itable eye or ear in all London. How's that? (shakes 
hands) 

Mrs. M. (rising, sweetly) Evidently when we need 
a charitable tongue, we can import it from America. 
(crossing to Una l.) 

RioRDAN. How's that? (shakes hands) 

WooLCOTT. (aside to Riordan) I knew I should 
catch it. I always do. After two minutes' talk with 



38 A GOLD MINE. 

her, I am a regular Saint Sebastian, all stuck full of 
arrows like a pin-cushion. 

RioKDAN. There why don't you keep out of range? 

WooLcoTT. i can't: she makes me miserable when I'm 
here, and I make myself miserable when I'm not here. 
She's a true woman — there's no living either with her 
or without her. 

Mrs. M. Now, Una, what are you going to wear 
to-night? 

Una. I have not quite made up my mind, aunt. I 
was thinking — (glances at Riobdan) 

Mrs. M. Why do you look at Mr. Riordan? Do you 
think he is as great an authority on woman's dress as 
he is on land tenure? (Riordan rises) Let me look 
at you! Blushing, I declare. Una, what is this? 

Riordan. {looking at his watch) 1 must say good- 
bye, Mrs. Meredith; I have an engagement this after- 
noon in the city — 

Mrs. M. Here — here — your city friends can wait. 
City people are rich enough to afford anything, even 
time, if they only thought so. Now, Una tell me — 

Una. (kisses her) Oh, Aunt, (hiding her face) 

Mrs. M. So you have an engagement here, too, Mr. 
Riordan. It's fortunate you're an M. P. or my brother 
wouldn't listen to you for. a moment, (rise) 

WooLCOTT. I congratulate you, my dear fellow. 
(shakes Riordan's hand) I wonder if you will have the 
same opinion of Home Rule next year? 

Mrs. M. Now, you can go if you wish. I've found out 
all I want to know, and you musn't keep your rich 
friends waiting, and I'm very glad, Una, and God bless 
you, dear, and I hope you may be very, very happy. 

Una. Thank you, aunt. 

Riordan. I must go really, for my city appointment 
is a solid fact and not a lover's fiction. 

Una. I'll go down stairs with you. I'll be back 
directly, aunt, 

(Exit Una and Riordan down stairs.) 

WooLCOTT. (hums) " There's nothing half so sweet 
in life as love's young dream! " 

Mrs. M.' It is a little too sweet to be wholesome. Do 
you fall in love in America, too? 

WooLcoTT. I never fell in love till I came to England. 



A GOLD MINE. 39 

Mrs. M. That's rather unpatriotic, isn't it? I thought 
the American girls were so pretty. 

WooLcoTT. I thought so myself, once — once! 

Mrs. M. How is the gold mine? Sold yet? 

WooLcoTT. Not yet. Your brother won't come to my 
terms, and I'm afraid I can't come to his. 

Mrs. M. (laughing) I never think of that gold mine 
without laughing at our dreadful game of cross purposes 
the first time I met you. Poor Mr. Riordan! (laugh) 
I thought him the most mercenary patriot I had ever 
heard of. 

WooLcoTT. And poor Mrs. Vandervast. For one brief 
half hour I thought I really understood Romeo. 

Mrs. M. Pooh! Romeo was in love! I have no sym- 
pathy with lovers. With you men, love is like the tide — 
when it reaches the flood, it begins to ebb. 

WooLcoTT. And with you women, love is like the 
moon that causes the tide — it has a new man every 
month. And yet, I have seen such a thing as a per- 
fectly happy marriage. 

Mrs. M. Yes, there has to be one every now and then, 
like the great prize in a lottery, to encourage speculation. 

WooLcoTT. When a woman gets a lover— ^oh, I've 
watched lots of them — she likes to purr and play with 
him as a cat does with a mouse, letting him go for a 
while, just for the cruel pleasure of catching him back 
again. 

Mrs. M. I suppose in America, it is considered polite 
to liken a lady to an old cat. 

WOOLCOTT. She's rather apt to get her back up if 
you do. 

Mrs. M. You Americans respect nothing — not even 
an old family tree. 

WooLcoTT. Well, I've noticed that an old family is 
often like an old tree — the best part of it is under 
ground. 

Mrs, M. But you do respect the roast beef of Old 
England? 

WooLcoTT. I worship it, though it has come from 
Chicago. 

Mrs. M. Mr. Woolcott, when I told you I had met 
one of your' Senators who ate with his knife, you 
bounced out of the room like a tornado. 



40 A GOLD MINE. 

WooLcoTT. Now, there's one of your contracted in- 
sular ideas. You don't know a tornado when you see one. 
What would be a mere spring zephyr in America, be- 
comes a hurricane over here in this little island of 
yours. 

Mrs. M. Indeed! And what would an American 
hurricane do in England? 

WooLcoTT. It would tear the island up by the roots, 
ma'am — blow it clean across the Atlantic and sink it in 
the Hudson river, where it wouldn't even prove an 
impediment to navigation. 

Mrs. M. And you Americans would be desolated, be- 
cause you couldn't come to London next year, having no 
Liverpool to land at, and no London to visit. 

WooLcoTT. You've an answer to everything, so give 
me one to this question: wouldn't you like to see 
America? 

INIrs. M. Don't you think I can form a more favor- 
able impression from listening to you and believing 
you — when I can. 

WooLCOTT. When you can — But aren't you a little 



curious 



Mrs. M. I can't say I am in that direction. 

WooLCOTT. I thought all women were in every direc- 
tion. 

Mrs. M. I confess that woman is the most curious 
of all created beings — after a man. 

WooLcoTT. Then you confess woman generally is after 
a man. 

Mrs. M. That is only because the man is rude 
enough to go first. 

Una. (enters c. upstairs) Quarrelling as usual, you 
two. 

WooLCOTT. It takes two to quarrel, and all I ' am 
doing is to suffer under my customary castigation. 

Mrs. M. Didn't you deserve it? 

WooLCOTT. Didn't I receive It humbly? But, I have 
had as much as I can stand for one day. With your 
permission, I will stroll down to the river with a cigar. 
(goes up stage, Una crosses to table. Mrs. M. comes 
down. To Una) May I beg you to tell your father that 
I am waiting to see him? (going) 

Una. I can't think what keeps him so long. 



A GOLD MINE. 41 

WooLCOTT. (up c.) Good afternoon, ladies. 
(Exit c. doivnstairs l.) 

Una. Why are you so hard on poor Mr. Woolcott? I 
like him rather. I think he is a rough diamond. 

Mrs. M. That's why I want to cut him. 

Una. Gerald calls him *' a white man " as they say 
in America. 

Mrs. M. (indifferently) T thought they were either 
red men or black men, like the knaves in a pack of 
cards. 

Una. He certainly seems fond of George, aunt. 

Mrs. M. Perhaps he is in his queer way — that's a 
point in his favor, but, then, who wouldn't be fond of 
that dear boy? (enter George c. upstairs l.) Oh, 
George, what's the matter with your hand? 

George. Oh, nothing, Aunty, only a hot one at point. 
(anxiously) Haven't seen anything of a telegram for 
me, have you? 

Mrs. M. It is important? 

George. No — yes — it's rather interesting to me. 

(Enter Wilson from library l.) 

Wilson. A telegram for you, Master George. (George 
seizes it and tears it open, reads it at a glance and is 
greatly overcome) 

Wilson. Any answer, sir? 

George. No, no answer, (exit Wilson c. downstairs) 
Oh, what am I to do? 

Mrs. M. What is it, George? For pity's sake, what 
is the matter? 

Una. (picking up telegram) "Bowled out." Oh, it 
is only about the cricket match. 

Mrs. M. Tell me the truth. What is the meaning of 
this? 

George. Oh, aunty, if I could— ^if I only dared! 

Mrs. M. My dear boy, T am your friend, if you have 
one in the world. Whatever your trouble, it will be 
made no lighter by concealment. Perhaps I may be 
able to help you. Shall I send Una away? 

George. There is no need — and I can't tell you — you 
couldn't help me — it is too much. 



42 A GOLD MINE. 

Mrs. M. Is it a money trouble? (George nods) Your 
father doesn't know? (he shakes his head) Now out 
with it, George — how much is it? The whole truth, 
mind! 

George, (dismally) It is about ten thousand pounds. 

Mrs. M. Ten thousand pounds! 

Una. Oh, George dear, how did you manage? 

George. I knew it was no good telling you. What's 
the good of making everyone wretched as well as my- 
self? I ran behind about six months ago, aunty, and 
I've been trying to make a little money on change, and 
everything went wrong — and now it's come to this. 

Mrs. M. (resolutely) To whom do you ov/e this 
money? 

George. Sharp &" Selover, the stockbrokers. They've 
been carrying the account for me, but unless it is made 
good to-morrow, they'll take it to the Governor. 

Una. Oh, George, papa will never forgive you! 

George. Oh, if I were only out of this, just this 
once! (goes up e.) 

Mrs. M. I wonder if I went to my brother 

Una. It would be no use, aunt. He paid George's 
debts once — a little insignificant sum compared to this — 
and he said if such a thing ever came to his knowledge 
again, he would wash his hands of George; get him a 
clerkship in the Demarara house, and never see him 
again. 

George. And I know he meant it. If you had seen 
him — 

Mrs. M. I am afraid we shall have to manage it with- 
out your father, unless we make up our minds to see 
you go abroad — (George goes to Mrs. M.) and I can't 
bear that, my boy. I wonder what is best to be done? 

George. I think there's nothing for me but to jump 
off Waterloo Bridge. 

Mrs. M. Don't talk nonsense to me — I'll see what 
can be done. 

George. But, if I don't make good at Sharp & Sel- 
over's to-morrow — 

Mrs. M. a great deal may be done before to-morrow. 

Sir E. (without) Wilson! (all rise quickly) 

Mrs. M. Here's your father. Run away, children. I 
must speak to him alone. 



A GOLD MINE. 43 

(Una and George exit into conservatory r. as Sir E. 
enters from library l.) 

Are you disengaged, Everard? I want to speak to you. 

Sir E. I have an appointment with Woolcott, and 
I'm rather late. I thought I should find him here, 

Mrs. M. He is about the place somewhere, but he 
said he was in no hurry. Can't you give me a minute? 
My business is immediate. 

Sir E. (seating himself) Well, what is it? 

Mrs. M. I wanted to ask you about my money. 

Sir E. As your trustee, I am ready to answer all 
questions, though I don't see that the matter is pressing. 

Mrs. M. You have thirty thousand pounds invested 
for me, have you not? 

Sir E. Only about eighteen thousand at this moment, 
for I have twelve thousand pounds on hand which I shall 
re-invest at the first favorable opportunity. 

Mrs. M. Then there is no difficulty — I want ten 
thousand pounds immediately. 

Sir E. (surprised) You want — I beg your pardon, 
I do not think I can have understood you. 

Mrs. M. I spoke plainly enough. I want ten thousand 
pounds. 

Sir E. What do you want it for? 

Mrs. M. That is my business. 

Sir E. (firmly) And it is mine also, I am your 
acting trustee, and responsible under my father's will, 
and your marriage settlements to my co-trustees, and to 
my own conscience. 

Mrs. M. I am not a baby. 

Sir E. (smiling) Then, 'why not be business-like? 
If you see an investment for the sum you mention, tell 
me, and if I approve, you shall have the money to-morrow 
morning. 

Mrs. M. I want it to-day. 

Sir E. Tut, tut, tut, that is quite absurd. You ask 
for ten thousand pounds as a girl asks for a shilling 
cab fare. You must know I cannot give up the money 
in this way. 

Mrs. M. (turning to him) If I were to go to law 
about it, I presume you would have to pay it? 

Sir E. If you were to pray for a dissolution of the 
trust, you possibly might succeed, unless you were ad- 



44 A GOLD MINE. 

judged a lunatic on my testimony as to this conversa- 
tion. Can't you tell me what you want to do with the 
money? It is your own, and I have no wish to withold 
it from you. 

Ars. M. I cannot tell you, and I do not think it is 
very gentlemanly of you to press a woman for a reason 
which she declines to give. 

Sir E. Tut, tut, tut, you ought to be able to see that 
my only aim is to do my duty. 

Mrs. M. (l.) I think it is monstrous that I should 
not be allowed to do what I will with my own. I shall 
sue you for that money. 

Sir E. And in case you are successful, you may hope 
to receive it, minus .the costs, about this day three years. 

Mrs, M. But I want it now. 

Sir E. 'Till you can be more business-like and ex- 
plicit, I am afraid you will have to want it. 
(Exit L. to library.) 

Mrs. M. This is intolerable! It appears my fortune 
is mine only as the child's sovereign, which is given to 
it on Christmas day — " It is yours, my dear, but you 
must not change it or spend it." Poor George! Must 
his father be told, now that I have just seen how pitiless 
he can be? 

(Enter George and Una from conservatory.) 

Una. (peeping) Is the coast clear? 

Mrs. M. Come to me, George; I had hoped to have 
been able to help you, but it seems that I cannot even 
do what I will with my own. 

George, (gloomily) There is nothing for it, but 
for me to — 

Una. To what, dear George? 

George. To drop myself into the river the first dark 
night. 

Mrs. M. You must not talk like that, George. It is 
wicked and it makes me shudder. Go and write Krebs. 
He must see these people and gain time. Krebs used to 
say there was nothing he would not do to serve me. 

Una. He said so again to-day. He is devoted to you, 
aunt. 

George. What a comfort it is to a poor devil so clean 
bowled out as I am to have a friend like you, aunty. 
By jove, you're a — a — a jolly good brick, (embraces her) 



A GOLD MINE. 45 

Mrs. M. Who should help you, if I shouldn't, George. 
Now, write that letter and let me see it when it is done. 
George. I won't lose a minute. 

(Exit c. off.) 

Mrs. M. It breaks my heart to see the boy in such 
trouble and not be able to help him. He is so afraid 
of Everard that sooner than it should come to his ears, 
George would do something desperate. You heard what 
he said about the river? 

Una. That's only his talk. He couldn't mean it. 

Mrs. M. You do not know what desperate things 
people do when they are in trouble. I feel as if I could 
commit a murder — or a marriage — for ten thousand 
pounds down this minute. And this has been harrassing 
the poor boy for nearly six months, (breaks dotvn in 
tears) 

Una. Don't worry so. I am sure it will come right 
in time. 

(Enter Woolcott c. upstairs l.) 

Mrs. M. Where's my handkerchief? That Yankee 
will see I've been crying. 

Woolcott. Pardon, ladies, if I intrude, but Wilson 
told me Sir Everard was asking for me. (seeing Mrs. 
M's emotion) Can it be possible, Mrs. Meredith? Tears 
in those lovely eyes! 

Mrs. M. Hasn't the man even tact enough not to see 
that — (aloud) Put them down to the East wind. 

Woolcott. The Bast wind indoors, and on the Fourth 
of July? Never mind, East wind goes, (mopping his 
forehead) It drove me in just now. I couldn't stand it 
any longer. It just sat back on its hind legs and howled. 

Mrs. M. (going r.) And if you were as sharp as the 
East wind, Mr. Woolcott, we should probably find more 
point in your remarks. 

(Exit into conservatory r.) 

Woolcott. Crushed again! I've riled her, haven't I, 
Miss Una? I'm always doing it, and never meaning it. 
(Una is going) Don t go; I want to speak to you. Is 
anything the matter? 

Una. Oh, no; why? 

Woolcott. That's a pretty flower you have there. 



46 A GOLD MINE. 

Una. This? Aunt Florence gave it to me. 

WooLCOTT. Aunt Florence did, did she? Nobody ever 
gives me flowers. 

Una. You can have this if you wish. 

WooLCOTT. Can I? You're a very kind, sweet little 
girl, {takes flower) Now look me in the eye. Miss 
Una. Tell me, what's the trouble you're in? 

Una. Oh, thanks, Mr. Woolcott, we're in no trouble. 
(Una r. c.) 

Woolcott. (sit l. c.) Don't dare to tell me that with 
your pretty eyes fall of tears and your chin quivering 
like a shape of jelly. If I'm meddlesome, say . so. I 
don't mean to be. You've all been kind to me, and I'm 
fond of you all; and how far I would go to serve some 
members of this family won't be known till I'm tried. 

Una. Thank you, but I'm afraid you can do nothing. 
We are in — a — little — trouble, (sobs) But, there's no 
help for it, I'm afraid. 

Woolcott, Now, look here, little girl. I'm nearly 
old enough to be your father, and I have a shrewd guess 
as to part of this difficulty. I happened to see your 
brother George — fine young fellow that — and I like him 
■ — I saw him just now trying to write a letter that didn't 
seem any too easy to write. I come up here and find 
your aunt in tears. Now, "two and two make four all 
the world over. The trouble is George's trouble, and 
from what I know of the breed of young men, George's 
trouble is money — 

Una. But, even so, Mr. Woolcott — (rises, goes r. ) 

Woolcott. You don't see how I can help you? I don't 
either. I am not rich, and even if I was, I suppose even 
the friendliest offer of money would be looked on in 
certain quarters — {unconsciously glances r.) as an insult. 
But, I've known cases where a word of good advice 
counted for more than dollars, and I'll tell you a story, 
if you don't mind listening. Miss Una. Sit down, won't 
you? {music. They sit on ottoman) I had a brother — 
a good deal younger than I was — a fine, manly fellow. 
Oh, how proud I was of that boy. Miss Una. He went 
wrong; he — he — got to speculating, and he used money 
he had no business to use. He was in a New York bank; 
I was out West at the time. He didn't write to me — I 
don't know why. God forgive me if I ever gave him 



A GOLD MINE. 47 

reason to think that I wouldn't have stoorl by him in 
trouble. Somehow, he shrank from applying to me. 
Maybe he was ashamed, (pause) When he couldn't 
hide his trouble any longer — he — he went to his room 
and put a bullet in his heart. Now, if he'd had a friend 
to advise with, I believe he'd have faced me with his 
story instead of facing that cruel pistol. That's why I 
say good advice is sometimes better than dollars. I 
came on East and settled up with the bank. It left me 
poor, but I've often been poor before then, and since, and 
I didn't mind that. But, I had lost my brother. 

Una. (putting out hand) And George talked just in 
that way, and aunt seemed to fear — oh! (breaks off in 
tears, rising) 

WooLcoTT. (consoling her) Perhaps out of my own 
bitter experience I can find good counsel for your 
brother. 

Una. If you only could. He is so young! He has 
been foolish, but then papa is so severe. He has been 
speculating, Mr. Woolcott, and he has lost ten thousand 
pounds. 

WooLCOTT. Ten thousand pounds! Holy Moses, what 
has he been doing? (walks r. then hack again) 

Una. It's awful, isn't it? It seems criminal, almost. 

WooLcoTT. The fault we call an abominable crime in 
our enemy, is only a trifling error in a friend. All these 
things are comparative. 

Una. It would seem terrible in papa's eyes. He is so 
rigidly exact in business. 

Woolcott. No doubt. The morality of a man who 
hasn't been tempted isn't a virtue, it is only a hypoth- 
esis. I will see George and talk to him. If he has 
sound advice, he won't do anything rash. He has 
wealthy friends who would be willing to help him. Now, 
go to your aunt, but don't tell her what I have been 
talking to you about. Just you take heart — and trust 
the Yankee. 

Una. But we need ten thousand pounds to-morrow. 

WooLCOTT. Well, you shall have ten thousand pounds 
to-morrow, (enter Sir E. from lihrary l.) Leave me 
now; I have a little matter of business to discuss with 
your father, (pushes Una off r., meeting Sir E.) 

Sir B. I must apologize for having kept you waiting. 



48 A GOLD MINE. 

WooLCOTT. I have been pleasantly employed. 

Sir E. (sitting doivn) Now, about this mine of 
yours. Sir William Butler and I have all the arrange- 
ments made for incorporation, and — 

WooLCOTT, I don't want to have anything to do with 
companies, Sir Everard, My mine is for sale. 

Sir E. At the old figure? 

WooLcoTT. At the old figure. 

Sir E. That is out of the question. Why not take 
part cash and part in shares of the company? 

WooLcoTT. Because I have had bad luck with shares. 
I helped to build the Sierra Nevada Central and it came 
near ruining me. 

Sir E. What was the matter? Didn't the stock go up? 

WooLCOTT. No, but the company did. 

Sir E. I thought all but the narrow sfauge roads in 
America earned good dividends. What gauge was it? 

WooLCOTT. Mortgage principally. Why, that road 
could have earned good dividends from the freight on 
its own obligations — only it didn't have rolling stock 
enough to carry them all. 

Sir E. Where did it run? 

WooLCOTT. Into debt, and then, it went into the hands 
of a receiver. 

Sir E. Was it well equipped — steel rails and so forth? 

WooLCOTT. Well, I hardly think he'd steal rails, but 
he'd steal most anything else. In a railroad a receiver'^ 
worse than a thief. 

Sir E. An unfortunate experience. 

WooLCOTT. That's why I want cash down on the nail. 
Now, will you give me the .twenty thousand pounds I 
ask? 

Sir E. As I have told you, that is a prohibitive price. 

WooLCOTT. Well, I have been thinking the matter 
over, and I've concluded to take the fifteen thousand 
pounds you offered me. 

Sir E. (aside) He is pushed for money, (aloud) 
When did I offer you fifteen thousand pounds? 

WooLCOTT. Two weeks ago. 

Sir E. Ah, but that was two weeks ago. 

Wooi.coTT., The mine hasn't moved since — it is just 
as good as ever. 

Sir E. You declined my offer then, and now I have 



A GOLD MINE. 49 

reconsidered it. I have not that amount of cash to spare. 
If you would take shares — (Woolcott shakes his head) 
then, the extreme sum I could offer would be ten 
thousand pounds. 

Woolcott. (aside) The old Shylock! Does he read 
my heart, that he tempts me with the very sum? 

Sir E. You see, the risk is all mine. 

Woolcott. You mean that the mine is all risk, but it 
isn't. And no man in England knows better what that 
property is worth than you do, Sir Everard Foxwood. 

Sir E. And I offer you £10,000. Take it or leave it. 
It is my final offer. I have plenty of other use for ten 
thousand pounds. 

. Woolcott. (after a struggle, rising) I've pledged my 
word to that little girl! (aloud) I'll take it. 

Sir E, Well, all the examinations of the property 
have been completed; the papers have been drawn up; 
nothing remains but to settle the terms of payment 
Shall we say four payments, extending over — 

Woolcott. We will say one payment, extending over 
the next twenty-four hours. Cash down, Sir Everard, 
or no deal. 

Sir E. Then you are pressed for funds? 

Woolcott. That's my business. If you want that 
mine, you must press yourself to pay me £10,000 before 
12 to-morrow. 

Sir E. There will be no trouble about that. I'll give 
you my check to-day, if you'll step into ray study, and 
sign a memorandum of agreement, or you can have the 
money in notes to-morrow morning. 

Woolcott. Your check is good enough for me. 

Sir E. Then the matter is settled. 

Woolcott. Settled. I won t go back on my word, 
and I'll be at your office by ten to-morrow morning ready 
to assign the mine in due form and to get the money. 

Sir E. I need not say I will not go back on ray word, 
as you phrase it. 

(Exit L. to library.) 

Woolcott. No, indeed, you need not say it. You've 
got a good thing. Sir Everard Foxwood, and you know 
it; you'll waltz up with your little ten thousand to- 
raorrow, never fear. The money will square the boy and 
make his aunt happy. It'll break me, though. Well, 
4 



50 A GOLD MINE. 

I've been broke before. I'll take the first chance that 
offers; one can never tell where any road may lead to 
now-a-days; and as for that ten thousand — the widow's 
worth it — every dollar of it, to say nothing of a boy's 
life. 

(Enter George c. with letter in his hand.) 

George. Mr. Woolcott, have you seen aunt? 

WooLCOTT. I have, and your sister. George, my boy, 
I know all about that trouble you're in. It's a bad mess, 
isn't it? 

George. Oh, Mr. Woolcott, it's awful! If it comes to 
the Governor's ears, there'll be the devil to pay! 

WooLcoTT. And he's a creditor who always insists on 
his money. 

George, (r. c.) If my Governor was like any other 
fellow's Governor — 

WooLCOTT. I know — I know. When a man makes a 
fool of himself he always likes to think it was some 
other man's fault. 

George. I don't mean it's his fault; it's my fault. 

WooLCOTT. That's good, that's honest! 

George. But, you see, I hate to tell him anything 
about it. His principles are so good — 

WooLCOTT. That he hates to wear them out by prac- 
tice. See here, George! (turns George around so that he 
faces him, puts other hand on slioulder so they are face 
to face this speech) I'd like to help you — I want 'to 
help you. 

George. You're av/fully good. 

Woolcott. Well, there are more dollars in this world, 
than there are boys — though some people don't seem to 
think so, and when it comes to a question of who's 
going to the devil — a few dollars or a boy of the right 
sort — I say let the dollars slide every time. I think a 
good deal of you. You remind me of a brother I had 
once — he's gone now — and I like you for his sake and 
for your own. You need not tell the Guv'nor, as you 
call him, for the money will be forthcoming to-morroy 
morning. 

George. The money will be forthcoming! How — 
where? 

WooLcoTT. Did you think you had no friends? 

George, (puzzled) 1 have you and Mr. Riordan. 



A GOLD MINE. 51 

WooLcoTT. And we have friends. You may regard 
the money as a loan from us, if you like, to be repaid 
when you can. We'll raise it for you amongst us. You 
have heard Riordan talk about his rich friends in the 
city. We'll see if they are any use at a pinch. You 
shall have the money to-morrow. But, don't breathe a 
word to anyone, not to your sister, nor above all to 
your aunt, that I have anything to do with the matter. 
Promise! 

George. Certainly I promise if you wish, but I must 
tell them something. 

WooLcoTT. Tell them anything that comes into your 
head, but don't mention me. Hush, here she comes!, 

George. All right! 

(Enter Mrs. M. and Una r.) 

(WooLcoTT L., sees Mrs. M. and Una approaching, mo- 
tions George to hush and points to where they are 
coming and goes l. to table; has. picking up books. 
George runs up and meets them and down r. c.) 

George. Oh, Aunt, it's all settled — I shall have the 
money before 12 to-morrow. 

Mrs. M. My dearest boy, how? But, take care, 
George; we are not alone, (looking at Woolcott) 

George, (whistle) Mr. Woolcott knows all about it. 
That is — he — he — 

Una. Aunt, I did confide our trouble to Mr. Woolcott. 
He spoke so kindly to me about it, I couldn't help it. 

Mrs. M. I am afraid it can hardly have been amusing 
to Mr. Woolcott. But, this is excellent news, George. 
Tell me all about it. 

(George looks at Woolcott. Woolcott looks round, 
catches George's eye.) 

George. By and by, aunt. 

Mrs. M. The fact is enough for ine. The details 
will keep. I declare, I could dance for joy. Mr. Wool- 
cott, couldn't you do an American dance for me, a scalp 
dance, for instance? 

Woolcott. You have tied me to the stake, and it isn't 
the captive who does the dancing in my country. 

Mrs. M. I have something else to attend to just now, 



52 A GOLD MINE. 

so I'll leave you in peace, Mr, Woolcott. Come, Una; 
come, George. 

{Exit c. ivith Una and George.) 

WooLCOTT. (watching them off) I'm afraid I'm a 
little further away from her than ever, now. I'm a poor 
man again. Pshaw! What difference does it make? A 
man doesn't get perceptibly further away from the moon 
by tumbling into a well. But, empty pockets are a 
great bar to conversation. 

(Enter Sir E. l. from library.) 

Sir E. Oh, here you are still, Woolcott. By the way, 
you promised to dine with me in a quiet way, one of 
these days — (patting Woolcott on shoulders tvith both 
hands) why not make it this evening? 

Woolcott. (r.) You are very kind. 

Sir E. (l., in laughing tone) I have a weakness for 
entertaining capitalists. You know you are a capitalist, 
or will be to-morrow. 

Woolcott. (aside) Yes, for about a minute. 

Sir E. So I may count on the honor of your company? 
(stately manner) 

Woolcott. (aside) I could see her again, (hesitat- 
ing) And yet — but I haven't strength to refuse. 
(aloud) I accept with pleasure, Sir Everard. (goin{f) 

Sir E. By the bye, I should like that assignment to 
be made to my clerk, Julius Krebs; it will stand in his 
name till the company is formed. 

Woolcott. It makes no odds to me who has the mine, 
so long as I have to part with it. (aside) But I won- 
der what this little game is! I guess he's putting up a 
job on the company. He's a beauty. 

Sir E. And if I can aid you with any advice as to 
the investment of your ten thousand pounds — command 
me. 

Woolcott. Thank you, Sir Everard, it is invested. 

Sir E. Invested? 

Woolcott. I mean it's forestalled. It is spent already. 
I haven't a dollar. 

Sir E. (loith sudden change of manner) Really, that 
is deplorable. I am most pained to hear it. You must 
have squandered money shamefully. 



A GOLD MINE. 53 

WooLcoTT. What I have done, Sir Everard, is my 
own affair and I .require no remarks about it. 

Sir E. {patronizingly) If you are really destitute, 
Woolcott, perhaps I could find you something to do. 
How would you like to go to Palestine? 

WooLcoTT, It doesn't much matter where I go. Any 
money in it? 

Sir E. I am about to send out a special agent to 
report on the works of the Bitumen Company. I will 
give you two hundred pounds a year, and traveling 
expenses. 

Woolcott. You are very good. Give me time to think 
that over. 

Sir E. {patronizingly) There is no hurry. Let me 
know your decision when you come to my office to- 
morrow. Good afternoon. 

{Exit c. downstairs l.) 

WooLCOTT. {alone, shakes his hand behind his lack) 
That man rubs me the wrong way. I'd sooner work for 
him in Palestine than here. If I get to work at once, I 
shan't have time to worry. I'll take the job. Here I 
am, forty years of age, in fair health and sound normal 
condition — and broke — dead broke — in a foreign coun- 
try, three thousand miles from home — and without a 
friend to give me a lift. 

(Wilson enters c. upstairs l.) 

Wilson. Sir Everard's compliments, sir, and he begs 
you will excuse him from that appointment this evening, 
as he had forgotten a previous engagement. 

Woolcott. {surprised) That appointment this even- 
ing? Oh, the dinner, {drily) Tell Sir Everard I will 
excuse him — with pleasure. (Wilson bows and exits) 
I didn't think he was quite as mean as that, but mis- 
fortune makes a vacuum about a man which human 
nature does not abhor — just as though bad luck was 
catching, {drops into seat c. ) What was it we used 
to say when we were children? "Pleasant Fourth of 
July! " Well, I've had it — great Scott, I've had it. 
{taking flower from button-hole and looking at it) But 
if it was to do over again, I'd do it. 



54 A GOLD MINE. 



CURTAIN. 



ACT III. 

Scene: Same as last set. Afternoon of the following 
day, July 5th: 

Discovered; At rise of curtain, Mrs. Meredith and Una 
enter r. from conservatory. 

Mrs. M. But, I don't understand it at all, Una. I 
had no idea Mr. Riordan was so wealthy. 

Una. He isn't at all wealthy. He's just as poor as 
he can be. Of course, he didn't give George the money 
himself. He merely managed it. 

Mrs. M. How did the £10,000 reach him? If we 
know that, it might afford some clue to his benefactor. 

Una. George was to go the first thing this morning 
to Sharp and Selover's and promise the money at noon 
to-day. He was to remain there till it came. He did as' 
he was told and a little before 12 o'clock, a commissioner 
brought a sealed packet, containing ten thousand pounds 
in Bank of England notes. 

Mrs. M. And who was it that told George to go to the 
stockbroker's and to wait for the money? 

Una. That's just what he won't tell, and he hinted 
something about Gerald. 

Mrs. M. I suppose it cannot be anyone else. 

Riordan. (ivithout) Ladies upstairs? All right — you 
needn't announce me. 

Una. There he is now. (runs across and exits c.) 

(Re-enter Una c, dragging on Riordan.) 

Una. Here he is, Aunt. Now he shall tell us all 
about it. Oh, Gerald, I am proud of you! 
Mrs. M. My dear Gerald, for you must allow me to 



A GOLD MINE. 55 

give you brevet rank as nephew, and call you so — I 
hardly knov/ what to say to you. I do not know whether 
to thank you for what you have done, or to admire in 
silence. 

RioRDAN. You are too kind, and if I were only sure 
you were not laughing at me — 

Mrs. M. I see nothing to laugh at. It was nobly 
done, Gerald, it was bravely done, and it was like a 
gentleman. 

RioRDAN. Really! You overpower me! I had no idea 
you would take so much interest in my little attempt. 

Mrs. M. Scarcely anything in my whole life has 
interested me so much. 

Una. It was splendid, generous, admirable! Oh, 
Gerald, I am proud of you. 

RiORDAN. I am very glad that my first effort in the 
cause of suffering humanity finds such warm apprecia- 
tion in the quarter where I value it most. 

Mrs. M. Who should appreciate it, if we do not? And 
when I remember on whose behalf the effort was made — 

RioRDAN. (surprised) I thought they were no fav- 
orites of yours, Mrs. Meredith? 

Mrs. M. They! Who? 

RiORDAN. The Irish tenants. 

Mrs. M. What has put the Irish tenants into your 
head just now? 

RioRDAN. We have been talking about them all this 
time, haven't we? It was on their behalf I made the 
effort, which you were pleased to rate so highly. They 
were the text of my speech last night. 

Una. And a very good speech it was, Gerald. I will 
compliment you upon it presently. But, just now we are 
so full of what you have done for George — 

RioRDAN. And pray, what have I done for George? 

Mrs. M. Haven't you advanced him ten thousand 
pounds? 

RiORDAN (astonished) No! I wish I had ten thous- 
and pounds, or the tenth part of it. 

Mrs. M. Haven't you helped him \o close his account 
with Sharp and Selover, and to keep his losses from his 
father? 

RioRDAN. I haven't helped him, because I didn't know 
he needed any help or had any loss. 



56 A GOLD MINE. 

Mrs. M. Strange! 

RioRDxVN. It is strange, indeed, and you puzzle me 
entirely. I don.'t know what you are driving at. 

Mrs. M. Yesterday George was in trouble about a 
speculation and he had to find ten thousand pounds to- 
day. I tried to raise the money for him and failed. 
Some unknown friend had found the money for him 
to-day. 

RioRDAN. This is most wonderful! Faith, he was a 
friend indeed. Fll borrow him when you are done with 
him. 

Una, Oh, Gerald, I thought it was you. I wish it 
had been.' 

RiORDAN. So do I, with all my heart. But in the 
name of common sense, how came you to pitch upon 
me — an out at elbows Irishman — as George's fairy 
godmother? 

Mrs. M. I do not know exactly. Una seemed to have 
it all cut and dried that it should be no one else, and I 
suppose I fell into her idea unconsciously. But, if it 
wasn't you — 

RioRDAN. And I give you my word of honor it was 
not! 

Mrs. M. Who could it have been? 

RiORDAN. Could his father — 

Mrs. M. His father knew nothing of the matter. 
And it was our great object to keep all knowledge of it 
from him. 

RiORDAN. The money must have come from some- 
where. It doesn't snow Bank of England notes in July. 
Perhaps Sir Everard wished to help the boy out of his 
scrape without taking any official cognizance of his 
embarrassment. 

Una. That's not a bit like papa. 

RiORDAN. I'm afraid he is not the man to spend ten 
thousand pounds without an equivalent of some sort, 
even if he had to take out the value of it in blowing 
the boy up. 

Mrs. M. So the identity of George's benefactor is a 
mystery still. 

(Enter Wilson c. upstairs l.) 

Wilson. I beg your pardon, ma'am. Mr. Krebs is 
below, and would like to see you. 



A GOLD MINE. 57 

Mrs. M. Ask him to come up. (exit Wilson) I 
suppose his wife has returned. 

Una. She was to have arrived last night, so he told 
me. 

RioRDAN. (lohispering) I say, Una, can't I have a 
chance for a word to you alone? Won't you come into 
the conservatory? 

Una. (crosses l.) Presently, presently. Just now, 
I'm not at all pleased with you. 

RioRDAN. Why not? Because I haven't done some- 
thing you thought I did. 

Una. No, I'm sure you would have done that if you 
could. 

RiORDAN. Well, then — 

Una. Well, there is something else in which your 
conduct was not at all satisfactory, (crossing l. and 
sitting l. of tahle l.) 

(Riordan -follows liCT and kneels on chair r. of table, 
talking across to her in pantomime as Mrs. M. a7id 
Krebs down r. Una shows that she is much annoyed 
at something.) 

Riordan. You alarm me! 

(Enter Krebs c. upstairs L.) 

Mrs, M. I am very glad to see you, Mr. Krebs. How 
is your wife? 

Krebs. She arrived last night — so well, so strong, so 
much improved. Madam, I can never thank you enough 
for all you have done for us. Her winter in the South 
of France has renewed her life. 

Mrs. M. (crosses r, sits) Indeed, I am glad to hear 
she has benefited by it. I will call and see her to- 
morrow. 

Krebs. It is too much kindness — too much honor. If 
you will say at what time you will be disengaged, she 
will wait upon you, and offer you her thanks in person. 

Mrs. M. Nonsense, she is an invalid — 

Krebs. She is an invalid no longer, thanks to your 
bounty, Madam. 

Mrs. M. She is the latest arrival at any rate, and I 
shall take the pleasure of calling upon her. 

Krebs. Sir Everard is in Change Alley, Madam. He 



58 A GOLD MINE. 

has had a busy day. He has just concluded the purchase 
of the American gentleman's mine. 

Mrs. M. You surprise me, for Mr. Woolcott told me 
no later than yesterday that there was no likelihood of 
their agreeing on a price. He said he could not accept 
the terms my brother offered. 

Krebs. He has accepted less. He has sold to Sir 
Everard — or rather to me, who act in the matter as Sir 
Everard's agent — for ten thousand pounds; five thousand 
less than the first offer, which he refused. 

Mrs. M. This is very curious! I wonder why he 
should do that? 

Krebs. He had sudden and pressing need of £10,000, 
I think, Madam. At last, he insisted that it should be 
paid over in cash before noon to-day. 

Mrs. M. (wondering) Ten thousand pounds in cash, 
before noon to-day. (continues to converse) 

RiORDAN. A dream? 

Una. Yes, I dreamed you were in love with another 
girl. 

RiORDAN. But I'm not. 

Una. That's what you said in your dream. 

RiORDAN. I'm in love with you. 

Una. That's what you said in your dream. 

RiORDAN. Well? 

Una. But, I saw her so distinctly. 

RiORDAN. Who? 

Una. The other girl. A sallow-doll-faced thing she 
was too, not at all pretty — and she wore imitation lace. 

RiORDAN. And you saw all this in the dream? 

Una. Yes. 

RiORDAN. I'm sure I never did the like of that to 
her. (kisses Una) 

Mrs. M. And you say Master George can't tell from 
what source the money came. 

Krebs. He either cannot or will not. 

Mrs. M. I think I am on the threshold of the secret 
(pauses) How was the money paid to Mr. Woolcott? 

Krebs. In £1,000 Bank of England notes. 

Mrs. M. Exactly. (pauses, then suddenly) Mr. 
Krebs, I have a favor to ask of you. 

Krebs. Of me, Madam? You know you have only to 
name it. 



A GOLD MINE. 59 

Wilson, (entering) Mrs. Vandervast! 

Mrs. M. Do not say I am at home, Wilson. Una, 
my dear, you must receive her. Beg Mrs. Vandervast 
to step upstairs, Wilson. {exit Wilson as Mrs. M. 
crosses l.) Come into the library a moment, Mr. Krebs. 

Una. But, aunt 

Mrs. M. I cannot be interrupted, Una. I am en- 
gaged on most important business, (exit l. into library 
with Krebs) 

Una. Now, isn't this too provoking! 

RioRDAN. She is determined that our love making 
shall have as many crosses as Juliet's own. 

(Enter Mrs. Vandervast.) 

Mrs. Van. Ah, how do you do, my dear? 

Riordan. *' Here comes the lady! " Welcome fair 
and ever fair and only Juliet! 

Mrs. Van. Ah, Mr. Mercuito, is that you again? 
Whenever I call here I seem always to find you. No 
matter, I am glad to have an opportunity of congratu- 
lating you. You are a noble, generous man. Mr. Rior- 
dan, you have a great and feeling heart, sir, and I 
could kiss you for it. 

Riordan. I assure you, it has been all a mistake, 
Mrs. Vandervast! I have been getting credit under 
false pretenses about that 

Mrs. Van. (surprised) Under false pretenses? And 
didn't you really make that speech which I read in to- 
day's paper? 

Riordan. Oh, the speech! Faith, I had forgotten all 
about it. (aside to Una) I thought she v/as off after 
that ten thousand pounds like the rest of them 

Mrs. Van. You should not have forgotten it, sir, for it 
was a speech that should be remembered. It recalled to 
me all that my father was never tired of praising in 
Flood and Grattan, and the fiery orators of your native 
land. 

Riordan. You are very kind to say so, Mrs. Vander- 
vast. 

Mrs. Van. You deserve it. You have a career before 
you, young man, and if you do not mar it at the out- 
set by an imprudent marriage — ah, that reminds me, 
you were about to apply the touchstone to your fate 



CO A GOLD MINE. 

when I saw you last — to choose the casket — you have 
done so — and how have you sped in your wooing? 

RiORDAN. I chose the leaden casket, and I found in it 
the portrait of ,the lady I have been wearing in my 
heart. I offered her the heart — and she gave me her 
hand in exchange. 

Mrs. Van. I hope I may have the pleasure of meeting 
the bride soon. 

RiORDAN. You have met her to-day here, (crosses r.) 

(Gives his hand to Una who curtseys shyly.) 

Mrs. Van. Una, is it possible! That child! (crosses 
L. c.) Bu^t, I suppose she regards herself as grown up 
now. Dear me! Dear me! How old we grow! It seems 
but yesterday I .was at her mother's wedding. Well, 
dear, (crosses to Una. I hope you may be happy. You 
have an old woman's heartfelt good wishes that every 
blessing may attend both of you. (gives hand to each) 
'Tis the union of Cordelia and Mercuito. 

Una. Thank you, dear Mrs. Vandervast. 

RiORDAN. I will do my best that your kind wish 
may be fulfilled. 

Mrs. Van. And when is it to be? Ah, you rogue, you 
were making love to her over my shoulder all the while 
I was here yesterday. I might have mistrusted some- 
thing. 

Una. It is all very new as yet. The day has not 
been decided upon. 

RiORDAN. But it will be soon. 

Una. Indeed, sir, how do you know that? 

Mrs. Van. (c.) I hope it will be an early day. 
Why you have no reason to delay — Juliet went to Friar 
Lawrence's cell. 

Una. And now Mrs. Vandervast I want you to give 
me your advise upon a subject of the highest importance, 
on which no one's opinion could be more valuable than 
yours. 

Mrs. Van. Ypu are entirely welcome to it, my dear, 
whatever it may be worth. 

Una. Of course, I shall be married in white. Now, 
I want your advice whether to be dressed as Sappho or 
as one of the Vestal Virgins — I can't make up my mind 
which. 



A GOLD MINE. 61 

Mrs. Van. Which of the Vestal Virgins? The cos- 
tumes are all alike, aren't they? 

Una. No, you don't understand, as any of them, or as 
Sappho. 

Mrs. Van. I can't say, my dear. I never played the 
part. I was married as Juliet. 

RioRDAN. It would have be3n a sacrilege for you to 
have assumed any other character at such a moment. 

Wilson, (entering c.) Mr. Woolcott! 

Una. Ask him to come up, Wilson. 

(Wilson h^rns and meets Woolcott entering c.) 

Woolcott. Thank you, I'm up. Good morning, Miss 
Una. Fair Juliet, the humblest of your slaves is at your 
feet. Riordan, how goes it? I came right up. Miss 
Una, because I have not much time to waste, and I 
thought I would not spend it on the stairs. I'm going 
away to-morrow morning. 

Riordan. Back to the States? 

Woolcott. No, I'm going to Palestine. 

Una. To-morrow? 

Woolcott. I should have gone to-night, only I thought 
I'd take an evening to look in and say good-bye to you 
all. 

Una. Isn't this rather sudden? 

Woolcott. I suppose it seems to you so, thought I 
hadn't thought of it myself till yesterday, I've already 
had time to get a kind of acclimatized to the idea. 

Riordan. Then your business here is ended? 

Woolcott. Yes, it has come to an end. 

Riordan. Have you sold the gold mine? 

Woolcott. Oh, yes, I have sold the gold mine. 

Riordan. I give you joy, old fellow, I hope you'll 
have a pleasant trip. 

Woolcott. Thank you, I'm sure to enjoy myself, it 
will be uncommonly pleasant. 

Mrs. Van. Palestine is so full of interesting associa- 
tions. 

Woolcott. (aside) And Bitumen. 

Mrs. Van. I know that most Americans consider that 
they haven't made the grand tour complete till they 
have, as they say, taken in the Holy Land. 

Woolcott. If all I hear is true, the part of the Holy 



62 A GOLD MINE. 

Land I am going to has taken in a good many people 
first and last. 

Una. My father is in the City, Mr. Woolcott, hut I 
am sure he would wish to see you before you go. 

Woolcott. (dryly) Thank you, he has just seen me. 
I came here straight from Change Alley. (looking 
round) I suppose Mrs. Meredith is not in? 

Una. (looking at Riordan) I am afraid my aunt 

(Jiesitates) 

Woolcott. Never mind. I will leave my adieux for 
her. She won't know I have gone unless some one 
happens to mention it. 

Riordan. I am sure Mrs. Meredith would be greatly 
pained if you left without saying good-bye. 

(Wilson has entered c. and is going to door of library 
L., when Una stops him.) 

Una. Wilson, my aunt is in there, and she said she 
was not to be disturbed. 

Wilson. But the bell rang for me. Miss. 
Una. Oh, in that case, go. 

(Wilson goes to door l. and exits.) 

Woolcott. (going) If you have any message for 
anybody in South Palestinfe, Carmel, Hebron, Gath or 
Jerusalem 

Una. (crosses r. c.) Don't go, Mr. Woolcott. My 
aunt won't be much longer, I'm sure, and if you can 
give us a few minutes more of your time 

Woolcott. (aside) Time is all I have to give now. 
They say it is money — I wish I could change seconds 
into dollars, (aloud) Oh, I can spare my time until 
to-morrow, it is my own. 

Una. Then, I propose that we all stroll down to the 
river and back, we won't miss Aunt Florence, for she 
is not going out again to-day. 

Riordan. Have with you. Where's your hat, Una? 

Una. I don't need a hat. I'll pick up a parasol as we 
go through the hall, (exit) 

Woolcott. Will you be content with my escort, 
ma'am? (offers arm to Mrs. Van.) 

Mrs. Van. (taking it) Abundantly. 

(Business in pantomime of sivord-arm and exit.) 



A GOLD MINE. 63 

(They all go off through conservatory as Wilson enters 
from library l.) 

Wilson. Signing of documents ain't a thing I've 'ad 
much experience in, but I 'ope I've done it " A. 1." 

(As Wilson exits c. down stairs, Mrs. Meredith and 
Krebs enter l. from library.) 

Mrs. M. I can only say again, Mr. Krebs, that you 
have made me your debtor for life. 

Krebs. And I can only say, Madam, that all I have, 
my life included, is at your service. 

Mrs. M. I shall see that you are no sufferer by what 
you have done. If you lose your position 

REBS. You need not think of that, Madam, if I have 
been enabled to right a wrong and do you a service at 
the same time — I will go straight from here and have 
this transfer properly attested and registered. 

Mrs. M. And not a word of this till I have given the 
signal. 

Krebs. I shall obey your orders, Madam, (exit c. 
down stairs l.) 

Mrs. M. (sitting on sofa and fanning herself) This 
is indeed a tangled skein, and I cannot find the clue to. 
my brother's conduct. It really requires an explanation. 
(noise heard in conservatory r.) Who is there? Is 
that you, Everard? 

George, (enter from conservatory) Oh, you dearest 
and best of aunties, how are you? (kisses her) 

Mrs. M. You do seem in better spirits, George. 

George. In better spirits? Aunty, I am enjoying the 
first pleasant day I have spent for six months. You 
have no idea how miserable it is to live with a sharp 
knife hanging over you that you expect will fall at any 
moment. 

Mrs. M. My poor boy, sometimes it is the sword of 
Damocles which cuts the Gordian Knot, and you have 
had a narrow escape this time. 

George. And you need not fear my ever getting into 
trouble again. I've learned my lesson and it has been 
a hard task, but I've got it by heart now, and there's no 
danger of my forgetting it. I've decided that it's time 
for me to make a score off my own bat. Do you know 
what I want to do, Aunty? I want to go away from 



64 A GOLD MINE. 

London, to get free from the Governor, who is always 
down on me. 

Mrs. M. I'll send you to Oxford myself. 

George. But, I don't want to go to Oxford. I'm not 
a boy any longer, I'm a man. I want to work. I'd 
like to go to America to work hard until I have earned 
enough to pay off the friend who helped me when I was 
in a hole. 

Mrs. M. But. you know who it was who gave you the 
money to get out of the scrape? 

George. I can't tell. The money was sent by a com- 
missionaire as I told you. 

Mrs. M. Who told you to go to Sharp & Selover's and 
expect the money this morning? (George hesitates) Was 
it Mr. Woolcott? 

George. Hang it, aunty, how you do cross-examine a 
fellow, (crosses r.) 

Mrs. M. When I cross-question, I do not want a cross- 
answer. Was it Mr. Woolcott? 

George. He made me promise not to tell anyone, es- 
pecially you. And now you have got it out of me. 

Mrs. M. I knew it before I asked you. How I have 
misjudged him! 

George. Indeed you have, aunty. I always said he 
was a brick but you were down on him and never gave 
him a chance. And yet he was forever watching you, 
and following you about. 

Mrs. M. Stop. George, isn't that your father I hear 
below? Run down and tell him I must see him instantly 
— instantly. 

George. Aunty, you are not going to blow on a fel- 
low? 

Mrs. M. Silly boy. haven't I fretted myself gray- 
haired to keep your secret from him. Tell him I want 
to see him. (exit George c. down stairs. Mrs. M. sits 
again c.) I do not know much about business and its 
methods and usages, it is true, but the more I think of 
what Everard has done, the worse it appears. 

(Enter Sir Everard. Coming down l.) 

Sir E. George tells me you want to speak to me, 

Florence. What is it now? Another ten thousand 
pounds, eh? 

Mrs. M. Yes, Everard, it is another ten thousand 



A GOLD MINE. 65 

pounds. I hear you have bought Mr. Woolcott's gold 
mine. 

Sir E. I have— and a very profitable day's work it 
was. 

Mrs. M. No doubt. And will you tell me why you 
bought the mine under another man's name? 

Sir E. It was a technicality of business, which you 
would not understand if I tried to ey'plain. 

Mrs. M. I am afraid I understand without your 
telling me. You did it to make money out of the com- 
pany which you have formed. 

Sir E. .Florence! 

Mrs. M. I know the details of the whole transaction — > 
how, Mr. Woolcott asked you twenty thousand pounds 
for his mine, and how you offered him fifteen thousand 
pounds, though you had all your plans made for making 
it over to the company at twenty-five thousand pounds, 
and when you found Mr. Woolcott was pressed for 
ready money, you meanly dropped your offer to ten 
thousand pounds! 

Sir E. (with dignity) Tut — tut — tut — Florence. You 
are taking a tor^ with me that I do not like and will 
not submit to. But I excuse you, for you are a woman 
and you evidently do not in the least understand what 
you are talking about. The whole affair is a strictly 
legitimate business transaction and such as any man in 
the City would gladly avail himself of, were the op- 
portunity offered. It is rarely so profitable a chance 
arises, though, and I flatter myself that there are few 
who could handle the matter as skilfully as I have 
done. 

Mrs. M. (c.) You expect the transaction to be very 
profitable, do you? 

Sir E. {smiling ivith satisfaction) By that one-half 
hour's work, I hope to make fifteen thousand pounds. 

Mrs. M. Scarcely so much, I think. 

Sir E. At the very least ten thousand pounds. 

Mrs. M. You will not make ten thousand pence. 

Sir E. The Yankee hasn't cheated me about the 
yield of gold, has he? 

Mrs. M. Oh no, he hasn't cheated you. 

Sir E. I do not think he could, for I took every 
precaution. I had the mine carefully examined, and 
5 



66 A GOLD MINE. 

the expert reported that it was well worth that which 
Woolcott asked originally, and I have got it for half his 
first figure. 

Mrs. M. Yoii haven't got it yet? 

Sir E. It is mine, at least, I can have it when I 
want it. Krebs holds it for me. 

Mrs. M. (strong) It is not yours. You cannot have 
it when you want it, and Krebs does not hold it. 

Sir E. {alarmed) What do you mean? 

Mrs. M. Krebs has parted with it. 

Sir E. {excitedly) Do you dare to tell me that the 
scoundrel has been bold enough to play a trick on me? 

Mrs. M. Who began playing tricks first? 

Sir E. Answer me! I insist on your telling me all 
you know. Answer me! Krebs has disposed of the 
mine? 

Mrs. M. Yes. 

Sir E. {choking with rage) The thief! The vil- 
lain! I'll have him arrested at once. I'll put him in 
the dock! I'll have him transported. 

Mrs. M. You didn't mean him to keep it for him- 
self, did you? 

Sir E. {tvalking about) I cannot believe it. I will 
not believe it. Such base ingratitude — a man who has 
been a pensioner on my bounty for years. He is worse 
than a dog to turn on the hand that fed him. {coming 
to Mrs. M.) Say, it is not true! 

Mrs. M. But it is true. 

Sir E. It is impossible. He has had no opportunity. 
When could he have disposed of it? Where? — to whom? 

Mrs. M. {strong) This very day — in this very house 
— to me? 

Sir E. {profoundly astonished) To you! 

Mrs. M. To me. 

Sir E. To you? And pray what can you do with a 
gold mine? 

Mrs. M. I can restore it to the rightful owner. 

Sir E. You are not going to give it back to the 
Yankee? 

Mrs. M. I am. 

Sir E. But I have bought it from him. 

Mrs. M.' And I have bought it from you. You need 
not be afraid that you shall lose anything. I stand 
ready to pay you what you gave for it. {crosses l.) 



A GOLD MINE. 67 

Sir E. (baffled) But I expected to make a profit 
of fifteen thousand pounds. 

Mrs. M. Great expectations are their own reward 
sometimes. 

Sir E. (coaxing) Come, come, Florence, I am your 
brother, your only brother. I have been a father to 
you all your life. Now, I come to ask a favor — let me 
have that mine. 

Mrs. M. I shall give it back to the man from whom 
you conveyed it. 

Sir E. And you would rob your brother to enrich 
a stranger — a man for whom you care nothing. Eh — ■ 
what? (looks at her keenly) You color. You do care 
for him? 

Mrs. M. Everard! 

Sir E. That's it, is it? I see it all! (sneeringly) 
The secret's out at last! You love this Woolcott. 

Mrs. M. You have no right to speak to me so. 

Sir E. And you are willing to rob me to enrich 
this Yankee adventurer who has got round you with 
his glib tongue.' Viscount Hathway's daughter-in-law 
is looking high for her number two. 

Mrs. M. (rising indignantly) I am ashamed of you.. 
And I refuse to listen to you any longer, (starts to go, 
crosses r.) 

Sir E. (seizes her hand) Stop! 

Mrs. M. Take care, Everard, you hurt me. 

Sir E. This is no child's play. I will prevent this 
villainy if I can. 

Mrs. M. You hurt me. 

Sir E. (releasing her hand) Answer me now. How 
do you know the deed has been made out in proper 
form ? 

Mrs. M. It was made out on the blank form prepared 
under your own directions. 

Sir E. And witnessed? 

Mrs. M. Wilson witnessed it. 

Sir E. I will discharge him — him — Krebs — and every- 
one who has had anything to do with this. Where is 
this assignment? Let me see it. 

Mrs. M. Mr. Krebs has taken it with him to have it 
registered. 

Sir E. Well, Madam, I shall see if there is any law 
in England to reach this case. I think Parliament in 



68 A GOLD MINE. 

its wisdom has framed some statutes to cover conspir- 
acy and the subordination of servants, (exit l. into 
library, slmnming door) 

Mrs. M. {looking after Mm) And this is my 
brother! Touched in his pocket — his most sensitive 
point, it seems, his true self stands revealed. And I 
have misjudged the American as much as I have mis- 
judged Everard. And we might have been good friends 
now, but for my silly fancy for sharpening my wit on 
his shoulder. 

(Sinks into chair at door of conservatory r., half hidden 

ty palms.) 
He fell into the sport readily enough, but if I had 
known his real value, I should have not kept him from 
me by idle words, {musing) And yet, George says 

WooLCOTT. {entering c. and coming down l.) Great 
Scott, I can't stand any more of that. Congratulations 
and felicitations as if I were starting out on a- wedding 
trip, and not a poor devil of a commercial traveler in 
Bitumen, for, as I can see that is about my position. 
And I can't bear to tell them truth, for that would in- 
volve a lot of explanations, and if there is one thing that 
would rile my present ternper more than another it 
would be to explain Yet, I'd like to see Mrs. Meredith 
to say good-bye. Maybe it's just as well I shouldn't see 
her. I might say more than I could take back — (sits 
c.) for when I'm talking to her, my heart's in my 
mouth, and some fine day it will slip out and fall at 
her feet — its proper place indeed. 

Mrs. M. I wonder where he is? I wonder whether he 
ever thinks of me when he is away from me, as I am 
thinking of him now? I suppose he is busy making 
ready to return to America now that he has sold his 
mine. 

WooLcoTT. (on sofa, finding fan) Her fan! The 
very one she held in her hand the night I saw her 
first, here in this room, nearly five months ago. Gra- 
cious, how time flies! I see her now as she stood before 
me that night, laughing at my blunder. And she has 
been laughing at me ever since, and I have come back 
again and again to be laughed at. Why, I'd sooner see 
her laugh at me than any other woman smile on me. 
I wonder if she ever knew what was deep down in my 



A GOLD MINE. 69 

heart when I had a light jest on the tip of my tongue? 
Women are quick to see when they have made a fool 
of a man, but I made a fool of myself, and she is not 
like other women. 

Mrs. M, (rising) I cannot bear to think of it all. 
(sees Woolcott) Why, there he is! When did he come 
in? How long has he been here? 

Woolcott. I'm glad I found this fan! I shall keep 
it. She has my heart and she will not grudge me this 
in exchange. I shall need a fan in Palestine, they say 
the climate's rather warm there. I'll keep this, (kisses 
it and puts it in breast) 

Mrs. M. (aside) He kissed my fan, then — (pauses, 
then aloud) So you are there, Mr. Woolcott. (coming 
doion R.) 

Woolcott. (springing up startled; l. c, puts fan in 
pocket, corner out) Of course — of course. I — how do 
you do? 

Mrs. M. (r. c.) You have my fan I see. 

Woolcott. (embarrassed) Yes, oh, yes, I have your 
fan. I found it here. I thought I'd take care of it for 
you. 

Mrs. M. You are very kind. I'll take it if you wish 
(holds out her hand) 

(Woolcott kisses the hand she holds out as he restores 
the fan.) 

Mrs. M. Mr. Woolcott! 

Woolcott. Do not be angry, Mrs. Meredith. I have 
only come to say good-bye and the occasion seemed to 
me to demand a little more than the usual shake of the 
hand. 

Mrs. M. I supposed you would be going now. I hear 
you have sold the gold mine. 

Woolcott. (aside) Damn that gold mine! (aloud) 
Oh, yes, it's sold. 

Mrs. M. And am I to congratulate you? 

Woolcott. You may suit yourself about that. Per- 
sonally I'd rather you did not. I've had rather more 
of that kind of thing than I can stand. 

Mrs. M. Then I'll refrain. And when do you return 
to America? 

Woolcott. I don't return to America at all — at least, 
not at present. 



70 A GOLD MINE. 

Mrs. M. No? But I thought you said you came to 
say good-bye. 

WooLcoTT. America isn't the only place in the world, 
though a good many folks over there think so. No, 
I'm going to Palestine. 

Mrs. M. (interested) To Palestine? 

WooLcoTT. Now, for Heaven's sake, please do not 
wish me a pleasant tri^.^ and congratulate me on my 
certain enjoyment of the associations of the Holy Land, 
for I can't stand that either. 

Mrs. M. May I ask what takes you to Palestine, for 
I'm sure, it isn't pleasure? 

WOOLCOTT. It's business — bread and butter in fact, 
and mighty little of the butter. Never mind about that! 

Mrs. M. Why need you go now? 

WooLCOTT. Because — because I must 

Mrs. M. But why so soon? The season is not over 
yet? 

WooLCOTT. The season has no pleasure for me — now. 

Mrs. M. (aside) Poor fellow! (aloud) But, if you 
sold the mine — a gold mine too — for a fair price 

WooLCOTT. (seriously) Pray do not press that, Mrs. 
Meredith. I've had ups and downs in my life, mostly 
downs, and this is one of them. I parted with the 
price of the mine before I had it. I can carry off my 
poverty with a smile before the others, but somehow, 
before you, I — I 

(Mrs. M. puts out her hand, he seizes it and shakes it.) 
You did that as though you were really sorry for me. 

Mrs. M. And would that .surprise you? 

WooLCOTT. I confess, it would a little. 

Mrs. M. Don't you think I can be a sincere friend? 

WooLCOTT. Why not? You are always telling me un- 
pleasant truths. 

Mrs. M. You don't take to heart all I say, do you? 

WooLCOTT. Don't I? 

Mrs. M. Whatever you may think of me, I know you 
are a staunch friend, for I have tried you and you were 
not found wanting. You guard your secret well — but 
I know it. , 

WooLCOTT. (suddenly) Who told you? (pauses) I 
mean to say, that I have no secrets. 

Mrs. M. I know why you sold your mine. I know 



A GOLD MINE. 71 

to whom you sold it, and the price he paid — the shame- 
fully inadequate price. I would like to apologize for my 
brother, if I knew how to do it, but 

WooLCOTT. Stop! Hold your horses! Don't say a 
word about him! He drove a hard bargain, but — he 
did more than his bond called for — he's given me a 
situation. 

Mrs. M. What do you mean? 

WooLcoTT. He has taken me into his employ. He 
pays me two hundred pounds a year to go to South 
Palestine to see what has become of the Bitumen which 
ought to be there. 

Mrs. M. And that is why you leave us? 

WooLCOTT. Why, certainly. I'm out of money and 
out of a job. Sir Everard offers me work — why shouldn't 
I take it? 

Mrs. M. You must not go! 

WooLcoTT. Oh, yes, I must — now more than ever. 

Mrs. M. {after a pause and shyly) But, I have 
asked you to stay 

WooLCOTT. Great Scott! Do you want to make me 
speak whether I will or not? Do you want another 
scalp to hang at the door of your wigwam? All right, 
you can have mine. And I'm not sorry to have a chance 
to tell you all that's in my heart before I go away. 
I love you, don't jump! — and I have loved you ever 
since I first saw you. I know how unworthy I am of 
you, but I couldn't help loving you. I have gone on 
loving more and more even when we were exchanging 
hard words. I set myself as a target for your jibes 
just that I might hear the sound of your voice, and 
feast my eyes with a sight of your face. Now the 
murder's out, and you can turn me away as soon as 
you please. 

(Pauses. Mrs. Meredith sits silently, ivith downcast 

eyes.) 
You do not dismiss me at once. Then, I'll go on to the 
end. I'm a poor man now, I'm dead broke — the only 
wealth I have in the world is my love for you, and it's 
all I have to offer you. Will you take it? Will you 
be my wife, Florence? 

Mrs. M. {turns to him, raising her eyes and haiids to 
his) Yes, 



72 A GOLD MINE. 

WooLCOTT. (pulling her up, embrace and kiss) This 
is better than Palestine — it's paradise! {kisses her 
again) 

Mrs. M. Someone might come in — and just fancy 
two old people like us 

WooLCOTT. Don't fret! I feel like a boy of twenty — 
and you look younger than your niece. Let me gaze 
at you again, a man likes to survey his property. Well, 
after all, I struck a streak of luck when I found that 
mine — for it led me to you, and if I haven't the gold 
mine, I have you. 

Mrs. M. You have me, and I have the gold mine. 

WooLCOTT. What! 

Mrs. M. I bought it from Julius Krebs at the same 
price my brother gave for it. You can have it back 
again. 

WooLCOTT. What is the odds, my dear? It'll be all 
in the family. I'll never part with it again. It would 
be flying in the face of good luck. We'll worlc it our- 
selves. 

(Enter Una. and Riordan upstairs e. aiid l. together, rac- 
ing and running; Riordan pulling her dress and 
doivn L.) 

Riordan. I'm with you. " 

Una. Oh, aunt! Stop, Gerald, pulling back isn't fair! 

(WooLcoTT ahout to kiss Mrs. M., head, turns, sees 
Riordan, kick up stage.) 

Mrs. M. What have you done with Mrs. Vandervast? 

Una. (all out of breath, crosses to l. c.) Oh, she's 
coming. We ran on because we had a question for you 
to settle, and we both wanted to get here first. 

Riordan. (out of breath, same bus.) Una says 

Una. No, Gerald says 

WooLCOTT. In fact, you both say 

Una. Gerald pretends that we can get married this 
season, and I tell him it is ridiculously too soon. What 
do you think? 

WooLCOTT. (aside) Say this season, and soon too, 
for, of course, we'll have to make a double wedding of it. 

Riordan. Go on, Mr. Woolcott, I know you're putting 
in a good word for me. 

WooLCOTT. And two for myself. What do you think? 



A GOLD MINE. 73 

(Enter Mrs. Vandervast.) 

Mrs. Van. And what's the decision? These rude 
young people ran away from me to appeal to you. 

Mrs. M. What is your opinion? 

Mrs. Van. I see no reason for delay. Juliet went to 
Friar Lawrence's cell and got married at a day's notice. 

Mrs. M. You are in a minority, Una. We had better 
say the close of the season. 

WooLcoTT. (aside to Mrs. M.) And we don't go to 
South Palestine on our wedding journey either. 

(Enter Sir E. l. from library.) 

Sir E. You are making too much noise out here, you 
disturb me. (to Woolcott) I presume, Mr. Woolcott, 
that my sister has acquainted you with the result of her 
scheming with my servants. 

Woolcott. Well, I don't know that I should put it 
that way. Mrs. Meredith has acquainted me with a fact 
of a very deep interest to me. 

Sir E. And you intend to take advantage of her — • 
her generosity? 

Woolcott. You bet your bottom dollar I do, every 
time! 

Sir E. That's enough, sir! I have nothing more to 
say to you. 

Woolcott. That settles it. 

(Enter George r. c, down r.) 

George, (going eagerly to Woolcott) Mr. Woolcott, 
how can I ever thank you? 

Woolcott. (shaking hands) Keep out of mischief 
for the future, and never say a word about it. 

George. But 

Woolcott. (interrupting him) There's your lame 
hand with the bandage looking three ways for Sunday. 
Go over to your aunt — nephew. 

Mrs. M. Come here, George, I'll settle it. 

(George crosses to her.) 

Una. Papa, as I told you this morning, Gerald and 
I have — have — 

Sir E. I know you. have. What then? 

Riordan. We are thinMng of getting married before 
the close of the season. Sir Everard. 



74 A GOLD MINE. 

Sir E. It is not to be thought of, sir. Your position 
is too undecided. You must show a fixed income, a cer- 
tain position, before . 

WooLcoTT. That'll be all right. I will appoint Mr. 
Riordan London agent of the gold mine, with a good 
salary and a percentage of the profits. 

Riordan. Thank you, old fellow. 

WooLcoTT. We shall need a paymaster and treasurer 
at Grass Valley. I will give Krebs that position. 

Sir E. George, I shall certainly forbid your playing 
cricket if the result is to maim you and keep you away 
from your duties at the office. 

WooLCOTT. I think, Sir Everard, the boy will do bet- 
ter away from the office altogether, and away from 
London. My advice to him would be to go West and 
grow up with the country. I daresay we can find him 
a suitable position about the gold mine. 

Sir E. (annoyed) Tut! Tut! Tut! Your gold mine 
seems omnivorous, and ready to swallow up all my 
household. Perhaps my sister will find occupation there 
too? 

WooLcoTT. (extending arms to Mrs. M. who crosses 
to him) She will. She has kindly consented to come 
out and take care of the owner of the gold mine. 



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